Warm Up and Stay Fire-Safe | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

1/26/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.

It might seem like winter has already been here forever, but it didn’t officially start until Dec. 21. While you may have flipped the heating on in your home long ago, without the proper preparations, you could have a fire hazard.

Love them or hate them, the cold months are here and you should be able to stay warm all season. Take steps now to stay fire-safe.

<h3basics">Furnace Basics

Homes in our area likely have one of three kinds of heating systems: a boiler, a furnace or baseboard heaters. Boilers run on water or gas and use radiant heat to warm your home, while baseboard heaters warm a single room at a time. Furnace systems are highly efficient and cost-effective systems that can outlast a lot of heating equipment.

No matter what kind of system you have, regular maintenance is the best way to keep them running long-term. Clean your furnace and baseboard heaters for dust, and have your boiler inspected regularly to ensure the heating elements are in working order.

Replace any filters in your systems often. For a furnace system, 90 days is the recommended timeframe, although you may want to do it more often if you have pets or someone in the home has allergies. Use the changing season as a good reminder to change your filter.

The air filter not only helps to lengthen the lifespan of your system, but much like a boiler heats without increasing the dust in your home, furnace filters can also eliminate dust and allergens.

<h3safety">Fireplace Safety

Fireplaces make for a cozy centerpiece in your home and can provide additional heating during one of the many snowstorms we experience. Without proper inspections and maintenance, though, a chimney or fireplace can pose quite the fire hazard for your home. Both artificial and wood-burning fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned regularly.

To care for a wood-burning fireplace, clean out ash and soot and ensure that nothing has blocked the chimney. Artificial fireplaces should be dusted regularly, including any removable logs and the cover you use on the front of the fireplace.

<h3heaters">Portable Heaters

Another source of heat commonly used in home is space heaters These portable heaters are great for warming a room quickly, much like the baseboard heaters commonly found in a lot of homes in this county. Running a space heater does require safety measures in order to prevent fires though.

Don’t run your space heater overnight, and always keep it three feet away from any combustible materials. Make sure your space heater is on a flat surface where it won’t get knocked over, and if your heater doesn’t have an automatic shut-off feature when it is tipped, consider upgrading to a new one. Always plug space heaters directly into the wall to avoid electrical surges.

Keep a close eye on the little ones and the furry ones in your home when you are running your heating equipment. Make sure they understand how to stay safe, since it only takes a single accident to cause complete chaos and destruction in your home. Stay cozy this season without the fear of fire.

If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for immediate assistance. We’re here ²⁴⁄₇ when you need us!

Stop Water Damage in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Have water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for quick and professional restoration.

A new year means new opportunities to tackle some projects that can make life a little easier. This year, make one of those projects protecting your home from water damage.

By adding a few simple steps into your regular routines, you could lower your risks and save your family money by avoiding the need for costly repairs.

Water is one of the top causes of damage to private property, and a hole the size of a pin can cause complete chaos in your home. Make a resolution you can keep this year and make changes that will protect your home.

<h3causes-water-damage">What Causes Water Damage?

To prevent damage, you need to first know where it comes from. Water leaks can start on the inside or the outside of your home.

Outside, gutters and heavy downpours are common sources, while inside bathroom fixtures and large appliances often cause issues.

Pipes that have aged and worn-out or caulking that has broken down around windows can also lead to excess moisture in your home. When a leak is left unattended, it can result in mold growth or even rotted walls and floors.

Appliances that come into contact with water can begin to rust or stop working all together. The faster an issue is identified and the source is addressed, the more damages can be mitigated.

<h3to-prevent-damage">How to Prevent Damage

It only takes a little water to do a lot of damage, but there are a lot of ways to avoid complete destruction. Finding the problem early is the best way to avoid total losses, and when you are active in prevention, catching a leak will be simple.

To find water where it doesn’t belong, make a habit of checking your bathrooms and kitchen for damp spots or mold growth. When it rains, run your hand along the window seal to check for moisture. Give the kids a giggle by sniffing around the house to check for musty odors.

Take a look at your roof once a month and after wind events. Look for missing or loose shingles, and after a snowstorm moves out, feel for soft spots.

Make sure your gutters are cleared year-round, but particularly before winter storms to prevent the possibility of ice dams forming. Clean the area around the downspouts regularly as well so when the snow does melt it can flow away from your home well.

Use your yard as another way to protect your home. Keep a gentle slope away from your home built by adding soil as needed. This is another area you want to check after one of our snowstorms moves out to ensure there hasn’t been too much erosion.

Incorporating simple steps into your pre-existing housekeeping routines can save your home from damages that could lead to extensive and costly repairs later. Plus, you can pat yourself on the back for finally making a resolution you kept!

Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.

How Water Can Enter Your Home | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience any water damage inside your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County.

A slow water leak can go unnoticed for a long time, but you can train yourself to check for signs. When there is too much moisture in an area, the air quality can be lowered, creating a musty and unpleasant smell. You may also notice peeling or bubbled paint, stains or even cracks that could be indicative of water somewhere it is not supposed to be.

Your appliances could also begin to rust if there is a leak nearby. While these are all subtle indications that you have a leak, the most obvious sign of water intrusion will always be a puddle on the floor.

Water damage can run very deep and create serious problems in the home. The more you learn about how to detect, prevent and correct them the safer you can keep your house.

Commercial Water Damage and Your Business | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

10/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County are your local commercial restoration company. We will always be here to help clean up and get you back in business

Water damage can have a huge impact on business, and many times it begins right inside your building.

A leaking roof, burst pipe or failed sprinkler system can result in lost inventory, soaked floors or even closure of your building for an extended amount of time.

External natural causes can also be extremely damaging. Rockland County has experienced flooding from excessive rains, particularly in the spring and fall or after remnants of a hurricane have pushed in. We also have multiple small creeks and tributaries that often overflow when the weather turns wet.

Prepare your business beforehand in order to mitigate as much damage as possible. When you are prepared and an event does occur, you can start recovery quicker and with less overall stress.

Work With Your Neighbors When You Choose SERVPRO | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

No job is too big or small. Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County today to schedule your estimate.

Choosing SERVPRO as your partner for restoration comes with a whole lot. We have certifications, training, experience and industry-leading equipment to handle anything you may face. We have cleaned up after fires, severe weather and flooding of every kind.

We also offer mold remediation, which can save your home or business from structural damages. Even specialized cleaning, like graffiti removal or biohazard cleanup are a regular part of our services.

The best part of what SERVPRO has to offer you? We are local. We are your neighbors.

<h2reasons-being-locally-owned-is-a-difference-maker">3 Reasons Being Locally Owned Is a Difference-Maker

When you are in need of restoration, you want a company that is highly regarded and trustworthy to partner with you and care for the things you love the same way you do. You need a company that is close by, because timing will always be the most crucial part of recovery.

<h4we-can-respond-fast">1. We Can Respond Fast

When you have experienced a disaster, the last thing you want is to wait to get back to normal. Not only do you want to get back into the comfort and safety of our home, but the faster you can start repairs the less damage can be done.

When partnering with SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County, waiting is not something you will have to worry about. We are right down the street, and with ²⁴⁄₇ availability, we can get to you quickly and start the road to recovery right away.

<h4we-re-prepared-for-local-weather-conditions">2. We’re Prepared for Local Weather Conditions

When severe weather is rolling into our area, we are watching the same forecasts you are. We are preparing ourselves and gathering resources before the storm so we can start working in the community right after the storm.

Most of our crew has lived in the New York area a long time, and we have seen everything the weather has to offer in this part of the world.

We have experience in the long cold winters and heavy snowstorms, as well as the thunderstorms that can leave the streets flooded. We have felt the strong winds that bring down trees. No matter what our weather brings, we are ready for it.

<h4we-know-eastern-rockland-county-front-and-back">3. We Know Eastern Rockland County Front and Back

There are lots of restoration companies out there, but many of them travel to their worksites from other towns or even other states. They come into our neighborhoods unfamiliar with our community and how things work, often needing directions to get to places any local would know.

Our team has worked in just about every township in Hudson Valley, and we know where the local permit offices are in each suburb so we can keep your project moving steadily ahead. We also know how to navigate the complicated roads and can even avoid the most crowded streets and still get to where we are going.

We know our Valley well and can work quickly to get our community put back together after a disaster.

<h2extra-benefit">An Extra Benefit

Our office in Rockland County can handle just about all the disasters you will face, but there is an added bonus to partnering with SERVPRO. We are backed by a brand that is nationally recognized and carries a strong reputation.

When we experience a disaster on a grand scale, we can reach out to our neighboring SERVPRO offices and have extra trained professionals in town within a few hours. With SERVPRO, we do what it takes to put our community back together, no matter what disaster we may face.

When disaster strikes your home or your business, we’re the team you can trust—located right here, close to home. Get in touch today to get started!

Property Protection From Flooding Both Inside and Out | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to get the restoration process started right away.

Protecting your home from flooding should be a priority on every homeowner’s list, regardless of location. Damage can happen from even just an inch of water, and any damage will always leave you with a large repair bill.

When you live in an area that is not considered at high risk for flood activity, you may not be eligible for help from insurance companies or federal funding. This makes taking care of your property and mitigating your risks even more essential.

While we may feel pretty landlocked in our part of New York, we have still seen a good deal of flooding over the years. Heavy storms in the summer can leave the streets impassable, and snow melt at the end of winter can turn things sloshy all over again.

It is essential to know not only the risks our entire region faces but to also understand your personal risks so you can put prevention into action.

Common Sources of Water Leaks and Damage / SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County team if you are dealing with any water damage.

Nobody expects water damage, caused from with in our homes, but occasionally, we have to deal with it anyway.

But knowing the typical places these kinds of accidents may occur is a first (and big) step toward keeping them from happening.

Toilets. The toilet is one of your most-used water sources, and that means that the rubber flapper inside the tank and the valve seal underneath it are prone to wear out and develop leaks over time.

Appliances. Your refrigerator, dishwasher or any appliance that transports water may develop leaks from various hoses or joints. Washing machine disposal pipes are particularly prone to deterioration, and old water heaters have even been known to burst.

Clogged gutters. Leaves fall, dirt collects and debris clogs. These things all happen in your gutters, and when they do, you’ll find yourself with water backing up into your house, either in the roof and attic, or streaming down interior walls.

Roof damage. Your roof really takes a beating, bearing the brunt of harsh, daily sunshine, regular rain and occasional hail. All these things can cause your shingles and flashing to degrade over time.

Pipes. Pipes fail for a number of reasons, from rust to water pressure to faulty joints. Keeping plumbing updated is a real headache-saver. Another scenario that’s harder to catch is the presence of tree roots in outdoor lines.

Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes. You probably know that coffee grounds can clog your disposal—foods like rice and potatoes can, too. Anything that collects into a sludge or retains a lot of moisture can cause backups or blockages.

Taking regular stock of your water systems at home can save you some hassle, time and frustration, and allow you to go to bed pretty confident that your house will be dry inside in the morning.

Learn more about water damage tips.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

Stay Safe During Severe Weather by Understanding Storm Alerts | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County.

Different and consistently changing weather around the nation means different and consistently changing weather alerts. There are at least 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different categories. That is a lot to take, particularly as a storm moves in.

Understanding different warnings or advisories means being able to quickly get to safety when it is needed. It also means you can take preventive action now to protect your property and your loved ones.

A general knowledge of multiple weather systems is very helpful, but understanding the most commonly seen weather events here in New York is essential.

SERVPRO Should Be Your Top Choice When It Comes to Restoration | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what type of disaster you face, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is only a phone call away.

Our SERVPRO location is independently owned and operated, so we understand how difficult managing the day-to-day of a small business is. Juggling a huge to-do list while trying to make your company as successful as possible can feel like you are walking on a high wire. If a disaster happens, it can bring everything tumbling down.

You may not be able to prevent, or sometimes even predict, a natural disaster, but you can prepare yourself for ONE. We all know that disasters don’t just strike at the office either, so that means being prepared at home, too.

Creating an emergency plan is a great first step in protecting your property, your business and your life. The American Red Cross has a great website you can use as a starting point to get your plan together. They have compiled data from natural disasters that occur across the United States and how to best protect yourself from each of them.

For more local information on the most commonly occurring disasters that happen here in New York, take a look at the state emergency management website. This will be continually updated when an event is happening across the state, but it is also a great resource for ways to prepare before a storm moves in. You should also bookmark our county’s website so you can refer to it before, during and after a disaster.

If damage strikes your home or your business, or both, it is crucial to get restoration and cleanup started as quickly as possible. The faster your response time, the less serious damage is likely to be. That is why SERVPRO should be your first call.

Staying in Control When You Burn Outdoors | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Imagine this evening: You and your loved ones are sitting near a fire roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and sharing stories. What beautiful memories you can make!

Fire serves us in multiple ways during our day-to-day lives. Cooking our meals, getting rid of bugs, cleaning out limbs and leaves and entertainment can feel safe, but any flame can quickly get out of control. The National Park Service found that 85% of wildfires are started by humans.

This past May, we saw the largest fire in Hudson Valley burn Harriman State Park. Our wildfire risk has been slowly rising over the years, and with so much of our area being wooded, we need to stay fire-aware all the time.

You can still enjoy an outdoor fire! Use your grill, roast marshmallows for s’mores and get rid of brush, just be sure to check safety codes and regulations. Put safety first each and every time you light a flame so your risk level stays at a minimum.

<h3fire-hazards">Recreational Fire Hazards

There will always be a risk when you light a flame, but campfires, fire pits, grills and recreational fireworks are some of the most common outdoor fire starters. On average, grills start close to 8,800 home fires each year, mostly due to operator error. Look at gas lines or propane tanks before grilling and never leave a hot grill unattended, even after the cooking is done.

If you are starting a campfire, find a place away from buildings or vehicles, and only use a match or lighter to get the flame going. Once the fire has started, use only approved firewood to keep it going, and once you have been through all the chocolate, watch the embers and make sure they go completely out.

Fire pits are in a lot of backyards now, allowing for a camp feel with extra privacy. Fire pits still carry risks, though, and you should use the same precautions as a regular campfire. If it is moveable, keep your pit off of wooden surfaces or areas with an overhang.

Burning excess construction materials or other household waste in your fire pit may seem like an easy solution, but you should stick to approved firewood.

If you want to end an evening with a bang, small novelty fireworks and sparklers are permitted in our county. Be sure you have plenty of space to light the fireworks away from structures, vehicles or areas of dried grass.

Don’t forget that sparklers are still considered an explosive and should not be handled by small children. Leave plenty of room for fireworks to land, and always keep a bucket of water nearby.

<h3outdoor-fire-hazards">Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Even with the risks, fires and combustibles still have a purpose. If you have a lot of trees that lose their leaves, burning them may be a viable means of cleanup, particularly if you do not live in an area that offers waste disposal options.

Clearing your yard of debris is important to protect against wildfires, and combined with purposeful landscaping, your yard serves as a line of defense for your home when a fire does start outside. Understand how to burn safelyand stay in control of your flames.

If you store gas in a shed or garage for your yard tools, make sure you use approved containers only and far away from any children. Gas should be used to power those items that need it only, so even if your campfire is going out, don’t grab the gas.

If you are going to have a flame out outdoors, be sure to check the weather and any warnings that may be in place. If the wind is strong or the relative humidity is low, wait on the fire and hang onto the marshmallows.

If you experience damage from a fire, give us a call. SERVPRO is ready with the equipment and knowledge for every aspect of fire recovery, and we want to restore as much of your property as possible, as quickly as possible.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.

How Damages Can Occur at Your Commercial Property | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is your local commercial disaster team. Contact us to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services.

Businesses propel our country forward, and they always have. We all likely utilize multiple businesses in a day, between work, play and shopping.

Business owners carry a big load each day managing the basic operations of a company. A disaster from either natural causes or other sources can be completely devastating.

Damage caused by natural weather events has been on the rise in the United States recently. Over the last five years, there has been an estimated $153 billion worth of damage annually, which represents a significant incline from previous periods.

With our intense snowfall over the winter that lasts well into what most would consider spring, it might be easy to forget that we also see large amounts of rainfall and severe thunderstorms.

This past May brought a round of severe storms that just barely missed our area. Even without being in the direct path of the worst part of the system, many of our neighborhoods saw high winds and lost power for several hours. We also picked up quite a bit of heavy rain in only a few hours, which made for a difficult commute home.

This round of severe weather should serve as a reminder to always be prepared for anything that Mother Nature can serve up, as well as any other disasters that may come our way. And as the old saying goes, “the more you know,” the better you can prepare.

<h2damage">Water Damage

Water and moisture are an extreme threat to businesses around the country. Water intrusions can stem from an external source like a flash flood or an overflowing river, or an internal source like an appliance failure. No matter where it comes from, water damage can be absolutely devastating.

Exterior flooding can result from heavy rains or snow melt and seep in through doors and the floor, where it can lead to foundation issues in your building.

If you have space outside your business, consider using your landscaping strategically to divert water away from your building. Extra dirt, mulch and flower beds can make a big difference in protecting your office.

Water damage can also occur from an interior source when a leak is left unattended for a long amount of time. Take the time to inspect the plumbing in your building regularly and watch for drips. Check walls and flooring for any discoloration and warping. Stay ahead of any needed maintenance or repairs to avoid costly damage later.

<h2damage">Storm Damage

Destruction to commercial buildings from storms is very common and can destroy an entire row of buildings or only one unit. Even a minor storm can bring power outages and throw debris that can leave you with damages.

A powerful storm is capable of bringing extreme damage to roofing or even the structure of your property. These storms can bring winds of over 100 mph that can topple freight trucks and tear down trees like they are twigs.

You can limit damage to your building with a few upgrades, including updates to your roof and adding storm-protective window covers. While these costly investments are highly effective, there are also low-cost ways to protect your business.

Check the seals on the windows and doors and inspect your building regularly to avoid the need for expensive repairs. Walk your property before storms move in and clear any debris and secure any loose furniture. Take care of any potential hazards to avoid damage to people and your property.

<h2who-to-call">Know Who to Call

Damage can happen to your commercial property in many different ways, but water and storm damage are the most common. These events can be devastating and force a long-term closure, or even in the worst-case scenario cause a complete loss.

Fortunately, we are available ²⁴⁄₇ to respond to any disaster you may face. Our experts will work with you to create a plan and quickly jump into action on your restoration. We want to get you back in business faster.

If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, ²⁴⁄₇.

A Few Easy Steps to Prevent House Fires | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

Since the start of 2022, the American Red Cross has responded to at least 20,000 house fires, and that only represents a small portion of the total number of fires that have occurred so far this year in the United States.

Hopefully, you have several smoke detectors already installed in your home as they remain the top way to protect your life, but there are several other ways you can prevent fire. Cleaning a few specific areas can do a lot for preventing damaging fires.

<h3the-clutter">Clear the Clutter

Clutter is likely not your favorite part of your home, so use this as a motivator to clean it out: Clutter can actually create a fire hazard. When hallways, stairwells or utility spaces fill up with items you don’t use on a regular basis, it can not only block essential emergency exit routes—it can also serve as fuel and quicken the spread of a fire once it starts.

Cloth items such as blankets, pillows or clothing can actually start a fire if left near a water heater. When you keep your space open, you not only can get out quickly when you need to, but you can also slow down the progression of flames.

Another area of the home you should address is your electrical outlets and extension cords. Overloaded extension cords are a common source of house fires. Remove any unused electrical appliances, and unplug those that you don’t use often.

Structure fires and home fires are the highest occurring types of fire in our neighborhoods, and since most of us live in smaller spaces that are densely populated, keeping your home free of hazards is especially important. Kitchen fires are the No. 1 source of all fires, so pay particular attention to your outlets and appliances here and never leave cooking unattended.

Ensure there is room between walls and furniture so that outlets do not overheat and air is able to flow freely.

<h3a-defensible-space-in-your-yard">Create a Defensible Space in Your Yard

Your yard can be the first defense in protecting your home from a fire that originates outside. Landscaping that is laid out intentionally can prevent fires from reaching your doorstep while allowing for firemen to work.

Strategically created areas in your yard are called defensible zones. This type of landscaping is so effective in the fight against wildfires that some states like California have imposed certain requirements for homeowners. New York may be densely urban, but that does not make us immune from wildfires, so this kind of landscaping is smart for all of us.

This doesn’t mean you can’t plant your favorite flowers; instead, it requires the strategic placement of plants to provide the maximum protection. You should also keep your yard clear of dead plants, leaves and tree limbs as these only provide fuel to fires.

<h3it-clean-keep-it-safe">Keep It Clean & Keep It Safe

Clearing the clutter in your home and yard are not the only ways you can clean your way to a safer home. Deep-clean your stove and have your chimney cleaned regularly to eliminate two more high-risk areas in your home.

Lowering your risk of fire isn’t all deep-cleaning, though, since even dusting can help a great deal. Pay special attention to dust gathering around outlets and other electric appliances.

Our homes are our safe space. They serve us as offices, schools and play areas these days, so keeping them safe is even more essential.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, ²⁴⁄₇.

The Water You Don't See: Water Removal and Dehumidification by SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

For help restoring your home after a water loss, call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County at 845-753-3730.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. 

We have a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by our trained SERVPRO staff. 

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters  are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materails. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO staff can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
• Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easliy penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas. 
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attch to and neutralize odor-causing particles. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County we have the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Give us a call at 845-753-3730.

Flood Damage Awareness Tips

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

For help restoring your home after a water loss, call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County at 845-753-3730.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is Here To Help after your home or business in the Rockland County, New York area suffers any water damage from flooding waters. We have commercial grade equipment, highly trained technicians and cleaning products specially formulated to clean any disaster. Here are some safety tips for you to follow to stay safe and prevent major water damage if possible. 

10 Actions to Take Before the Flood

1. Learn the safest route from your home; or business should you have to leave in a hurry
2. Develop and practice a "family escape" plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated. 
3. Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. (Keep the list in a safe place-not in your home)
4. Stockpile emergency supplies of food, medicine, first aid supplies, and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean closed containers. 
5. Don't forget to plan for your pets.
6. Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, flashlights in working order, and extra batteries.
7. Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, service stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
8. Find how many feet your property is above or below flood levels.
9. Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency weatherproofing.
10. If flooding is likely and there is time, move essential items and furniture to upper floors in the house. Disconnect electrical appliances that can't be moved....Never touch appliances if you are wet or there is standing water.

And don't forget to monitor NOAA Weather Radio, and TV Emergency Broadcast Stations. Visit ready.gov to learn more. To learn more about water damage https://www.SERVPROeasternrocklandcounty.com/water-damage-restoration

Does Your Business Have A Emergency Preparedness Plan?

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is is a certifies IICRC company.

How quickly your company can get back to business after a fire, flood, or storm often depends on the emergency planning done today.

 The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. Review the following questions to learn if your company is prepared.   

Be Informed: Do you know what types of emergencies might affect your company?

Develop a Business Continuity Plan: Do you know which staff, procedures, and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep operating? Are you ready for utility disruptions? Do you have a plan if your building is not accessible? What will you do if your suppliers are impacted? 

Prepare Your Emergency Plan: Do you have an plans  for evacuation and shelter? Do you have plans for communications with employees before and during? Do you have copies of buildings and site maps with utilities and emergency routes marked? Are any employees trained for medical emergencies?

Practice the Emergency Plan: If you have a plan, have your practiced it recently? How often do you review the plan? Do you have to coordinate the plan with other businesses?

Review Insurance coverage: Have you review your insurance coverage recently to see if you're covered in a disaster?

Secure Your Facility and Equipment: Have you conducted a room to room survey to determine what can be strapped down and secured?

Improve Cyber security: Do you regularly install patches to your software? Have you installed a firewall on your computer? Do you update your antivirus software?

Promote Family and Individual Preparedness: Do you encourage employees to have a personal emergency supply kit and a family communication plan? 

If you answered "NO" to any of these questions, visit https://www.ready.gov/ and learn how to better prepare your business, employees, and family.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County can help your business to prepare for any disaster by developing an ERP (Emergency Ready Plan) for your business, give us a call to learn more.

The Restoration Expert You Can Trust in Eastern Rockland County | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is your local restoration expert. We are the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.

There are many restoration companies to choose from when looking for someone to mitigate your home from damages, but there’s only one name you hear all the time and know you can trust to be on site in a matter of hours—SERVPRO.

Your Eastern Rockland County home or business doesn’t need to pay the price for a stray storm or unexpected fire. SERVPRO’s experts can restore your home to preloss condition from the following types of damage:

Flooding can occur at any time, and whether it’s an inch or a foot, it can cause serious damage. In fact, floods cause more than $10 billion in damages nationwide every year.

If you’re a home or business owner, it’s likely you will encounter flooding issues at some point, but SERVPRO has the tools to deal with the damages. We have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly trained technicians who will document the drying process.

We have the tools to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water. We’ll also assist you in developing a water damage restoration plan to ensure your home is clean, dry and restored to preloss condition.

Maybe you do not have to deal with any water damage, but one day a disastrous fire breaks out in your home, as it does to an American every 23 seconds. If this happens, we will jump right into action with our time-tested restoration plan.

In fact, it includes seven steps. It starts with an inspection and damage assessment and progresses through all the necessary, in-between steps before starting repairs and construction.

Another common type of tragedy your home may face is a severe thunderstorm. These are common anywhere in the country, but because New York rests near the Atlantic Ocean, coastal storms often break ground in the area. These storms bring prolonged periods of rain, which can lead to various forms of damage. We know how important it is to restore the items that you cherish so much.

We can tackle the damage through various types of cleaning services, and of course, our construction process, which is available for any home or business. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.

Now that you know what we are all about, you can go ahead and make the call to SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County anytime disaster strikes. We’re available ²⁴⁄₇.

Our experts are also known for their extensive experience, so you can take comfort in the fact that if anyone can get the job done, it’s SERVPRO.

Regardless of the type of damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life.

Can Your Rockland County Employees Escape in 2 Minutes?

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to cleanup soot, smoke and fire damage.

An emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses, however, OSHA recommends building an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business during an emergency. OSHA suggests the following steps when developing a plan.

Organize an Emergency Preparedness Procedures review with employees to review your com[any's emergency plans. You may wish to select an individual or team of individuals to lead and coordinate your emergency plan.

Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees. Ensure all exits and routes are clearly marked and will lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel, and unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.

Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. Designate a safe spot outside of the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a head count. Once completed, evaluate how well the plan worked and if additional training or exercises are needed. 

If your business has a fire damage event, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to clean up the soot, smoke and fire damage. We will help you through the process from start to finish. 

*Tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Rockland County Business Suffers Major Water Damage

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to help with water damage cleanup.

Flooding and water damage at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response.

Whether we're dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility. 

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professional are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area of your business. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we'll be there fast with the help you need. 

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Meet our Crew  

Don't Delay Water Damage Restoration in Your Rockland County Home or Business

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for all your damage restoration emergencies.

Did you know? Prompt water mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth, which can be visible in as little as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions.  The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage or excessive mold growth will happen to your home or business property. 

Follow these tips to help prevent mold growth in your home or business: 

• Keep the humidity between 30 and 60 percent.
• Provide proper drainage away from building foundations.
• Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.
• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.
• Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.
• Respond to all water intrusions immediately. 

Visit our Mold information page to learn more about our mold services.

Don't forget time is critical, so contact SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for professional water removal and mold mitigation in your Rockland County home. We are Faster to any size disaster.

After the storming Rockland County: Water Damage Timeline and the possibility of mold growth

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for any water, fire, or mold damage restoration.

Intrusion of water into your home from a storm can result in mold growth. When water damages are not addressed right away, the result is an increased risk of mold growth. Mold may appear within 24 to 48 hours after a water damage intrusion event if the conditions are conducive to mold growth.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County New York, handles water damages every day, and we know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your home or business building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, which help prevent the secondary damage like mold growth. 

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may begin to bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1-24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears. Mold spores grow if conditions are conducive to microbial growth.

Before risking further damage to you home, and belongings don't try to clean a water damage incident on your own, instead call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County at (845) 634-1660 to handle the water damage cleanup and restoration. 

We Are Here to Help Your Business | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County are your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

As a company owner or operator, you are well aware that operating a seamless operation requires the use of every available hand. Significant delays or losses might have a catastrophic effect on your business.

Whatever kind of business or facility you operate, you should be aware that you already have a business partner ready to assist with cleaning and disaster recovery essentially right around the corner. It’s like having a devoted ally in charge of an entire component of your business’s success plan.

Large Loss Recovery. Fires, storms, and floods are the most common causes of financial loss for businesses in the United States. Each of these events has the potential to inflict significant damage if restoration is delayed, so do not delay when these occurrences strike and contact SERVPRO. You’ll talk with a highly qualified staff member who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to begin the process with you, therefore minimizing downtime and expediting your process of beginning operations again.

Emergency Ready Plan. Did you know that disaster recovery can begin prior to the onset of the crisis? We can assist you in developing an Emergency Ready Plan that is activated on demand. Following a tragedy, you may need anything from an emergency command structure to temporary meeting and work locations, as well as temporary suppliers. We’ll configure your plan so that everything can be initiated with a single click.

All-Purpose Cleaning. We provide a range of cleaning services, from highly specialized services like as trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal to more generic ones such as carpet and upholstery cleaning, giving solutions for any cleaning need. We’ve been doing this for a long time, and we’ve seen and cleaned just about everything!

Restoration Services. You never know when a storm can produce flash floods, when interns will ignite the kitchen on fire or when a pipe will freeze and explode during the winter. SERVPRO’s repair and cleaning services are required in each of these circumstances. You can rely on us to restore the luster to your company after a disaster, from cleanup through restoration.

Industry Specialization. We can assist a broad array of industries as a result of having spent decades learning the different ins and outs and each one. We can help your business with any one-of-a-kind specialized service or any simple cleaning or restoration needs. In many cases, we’ll even enclose the work space to keep it separate from other aspects of your business’s daily operations.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County, New York is more then just a Water and Fire Damage Restoration Company

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Call our Customer Service staff to learn about all the services we provide.

Recognized as a leading fire, water, and mold restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County also offers fast and reliable mold, biohazard/sewage, vandalism and crime scene cleanup and restoration services. Visit our website to learn more.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Service Technicians are trained to safely and effectively remove bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. 

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County help keep environments clean homes and offices. 

Our services cover the following issues:

• Bloodbourne Pathogens: SERVPRO removes and disposes of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substance resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Technicians clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
• Methamphetamine Labs: Many chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO follows federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces. 
• Crime Scene Residues: Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues can be cleaned from surfaces and contents to restore your property. 
• Arson and Vandalism: After the fire trucks are gone, your home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet. 
• Sewage Backups: Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
• Black Water Intrusions: This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation:  Mold can spread quickly through your home or business in as little as 48 hours. If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise for the remediation of your mold infestation.

Trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County 845-634-1660.

New York’s Weather Hazards as Spring Approaches | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead tosevere weather. SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is a click away if you experience any damage.

Being so large and diverse, seasonal weather is not one-size-fits-all here. Throughout the year, various sections of the nation encounter different weather patterns and consequently face differing degrees of weather threats.

Winters in the Northeast are the longest (as you’re surely aware), with frigid weather lasting throughout the season. New York has also seen an increase in rainfall from hurricanes and tropical storms, resulting in severe flooding and water damage. Extreme cold and the threat of snowstorms and blizzards may be expected  until late spring, when temperatures begin to rise again.

Preparing for a Flood
Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.

In Case of Emergency
Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Clear debris from drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

Extreme weather poses a considerable danger to anyone in the United States, regardless of where you live. Yours may differ from your friend’s a few states away, but knowing how to prepare is always a good idea.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Understanding Water Damage: Different Types of Water

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for any size water damage disaster.

When a Rockland County home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. 

There are three types of water:

• Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean.
• The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.
• Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. 

Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water: 

DO:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so. 
• Turn off the circuit breakers for wet areas of the building is access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying. 
• Move moisture sensitive items like paintings, documents, and computers to a safe dry place. 

DON'T:

• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use your house hold vacuum to remove water as there is potential for electric shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water:

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated area. 

DON'T:

• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants. 

When you have a water damage disaster, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County we are your water damage remediation and restoration experts.

When Water Damage Strikes Your Rockland County, New York Home

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to handle any size water, storm or fire disaster at your home.

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage to your home or business. To help ensure a water damage is handled correctly complete the following steps:

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland  County

Inspection: SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Service Technicians will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work. 

Emergency Service: Service Technicians will take steps to help protect your home of business, as well as personal belongings and other contents, from further damages by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step by step.

Monitoring: To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, a technician will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently be communicated to you. 

Restoration Services: Are available upon request. We will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property. A final walk-through of the job-site will be conducted with you.

Emergency Water Damage Tips:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting.
• Place aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place. 
• Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Don't use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water *this could cause electrical shock and/or damage to the vacuum.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County offers 24/7 emergency service, we can help you navigate the difficulties of a water damage disaster.

Visit our Google listing at SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Google Page

Is Your Nanuet, Rockland County New York Home READY For Winter Weather?

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to handle any size water, storm or fire disaster at your home.

With temps getting colder, here are some tips to avoid frozen pipes:

On The Inside:

• If you will be away from home for days at a time, make sure that all of your pipes are kept warm, especially in spaces that receive little or no heat.
• If any pipes will stay exposed to freezing temperatures, open up one faucet with a very small drip to keep water moving through the pipes.

 
On The Outside:

Protect your pipes as you would protect your plants.

• Cover up your outside faucets with foam or towels to insulate them. Especially if you plan to be away from home this winter, remember to leave your contact information with a neighbor.
• You might consider giving them a key to your home, too, and leaving your preferred plumber's contact information behind should an emergency occur.
• If your pipes burst and your home has water damage call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County at 1(845)753-3730.

Do You Have a Ready Plan? | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County will be there to help.

When you’re running a business, not only do you have full-time job responsibilities, but you also have that to-do list that never ends. Whether it is staffing or payroll, inventory or marketing, there is no denying you have a lot on your plate.

All that work is in jeopardy if you’re not prepared for disaster to strike. You have worked incredibly hard to get where you are today. Don’t you want to do everything you can to ensure your business can make it through anything?

When a fire, storm or even another pandemic hits hard, it’s often difficult or even impossible for businesses to open again. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses shut down permanently after a disaster, and a good chunk of those that can open up again end up shutting down for good in less than a year.

When disaster strikes your business, having a plan in place ahead of time as to what you will do could make all the difference in whether your business survives the event. But that’s not the reality for many businesses.

In the U.S., three-quarters of small businesses don’t have a plan in place for after a disaster hits. The businesses that make it through on the other side of a disaster are the ones that are prepared for one.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County helps businesses in our region prepare by coming up with a Emergency Ready Plan that is customized specifically for the business, location and industry. With a plan in place, your business will be able to minimize interruption because you’ll know what to do when disaster strikes.

Disasters are already difficult hurdles in and of themselves. Do everything you can to ensure you are ready to bounce back afterward. We are here to help you with your Emergency Ready Plan today.

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

Visit our Google listing at SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Google Page

Portable Fire Extinguishers: What You Need To Know To Keep Your Nanuet Home Safe

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is locally owned and has been serving the Rockland County Community for over 25 years.

Fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS: 

• Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. 
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. 
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. 
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side. 

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Remember, extinguishers do have limitations. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your home or facility. To find more information on choosing the appropriate class of extinguishers, please visit the NFPA website.

If your property does sustain damage from a fire, SERVPRO® understands that using professional equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform.

SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County Service Technicians will answer your call with fast action, exceptional equipment, and trained personnel. Certainly, the right tool for the job is vital to timely mitigation and restoration, but perhaps more important, SERVPRO® fire damage professionals are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration. Knowing the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration.

• Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.
• Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.
• Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
• Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs.
• Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.

Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows the SERVPRO® technicians to focus on saving your precious items.

Deodorization Equipment Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. The device can also be used to apply fungicides and disinfectants.

Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products in large volume, dense fogs suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair with and neutralize odor-causing particles.

Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to learn about all our Fire cleanup services.

Visit our Google listing at SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Google Page

SERVPRO Provides a Litany of Amazing Services | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to get the job done.

Our SERVPRO vans and trucks have, shall we say, a distinctive look. It’s hard to miss a bright green van, and that’s on purpose—when you see that vehicle, we hope you’ll remember all the things your local SERVPRO can help you with.

There’s so much we offer, it’s safe to say you probably don’t even realize it all. So let’s go over a few of the most prominent functions of SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County, so that next time you see the vans around town you’ll have a mind full of the amazing ways we can be there for you when you need us.

Water damage recovery. Homeowners all over the country count on us to get them back in the dry after water damage. Be it from flooding, sewage backup or an appliance failure, we’ve got the solutions for homeowners with soggy situations.

Fire damage recovery. Another U.S. homeowner has a fire on their hands every 23 seconds, and when it happens, it’s not pretty. We help these homeowners recover damaged items and home areas, including removal of soot and smoke smell.

Mold removal. Whether the cause is water damage or excess moisture, mold can set up shop in your home, and eventually threaten its structural integrity and eat through drywall and other materials.

Storm recovery. When big storms create acute hazards or damage at home, we come in clutch with full recovery, no matter how much damage has been done.

Commercial needs. Anything we can do for homeowners, we can do for business owners, too. Plus we can offer hospital-grade, custom cleaning solutions to foster customer confidence and keep employee teams safe.

General cleaning. Some days, you just need a little help around the house, and we can take care of your needed cleaning so you can keep up with the other things going on in your life.

Specialty cleaning. This is where it gets too specific to even dive into fully, but everything from air duct cleanup to removal of persistent home odors can be accomplished by your local SERVPRO team.

Construction. We’re handy with a hammer, too. When large-scale work is needed after a disaster, or when it’s simply time to tackle that remodeling project you’ve been waiting on, SERVPRO is the name you can trust.

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

Starting and Stopping a Fire Involve the Same 4 Elements | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is ready around the clock to help you recover.

Squares and circles get most of the glory when it comes to geometric shapes (honorable mention to the rhombus), but when it comes to fire theory, the story begins and ends with the 3-D triangle called the tetrahedron.

Having four equal sides makes fire tetrahedron the perfect shape to explain how fires get started, because every fire requires the same four things to happen in tandem.

The 4 Things a Fire Needs to Live

Fuel. Think about this in the sense of fueling an old train engine by adding logs or coal. Any fire has to have something to devour, and that can range from dry leaves in your yard to the insulation behind your walls.

Heat. Remember using a magnifying glass to harness sunlight and catch pieces of paper on fire? That wasn’t just us, was it? The glass causes the sun’s heat to focus on the paper’s surface until it reaches a point at which it combusts. Until a material reaches that point, it won’t catch fire.

Oxygen. Fires have to consume oxygen, and the oxidation process both releases heat and generates more combustible gases, thus contributing to…

Chemical Chain Reaction. The continuation and growth of a fire depends on a chain reaction, which must be allowed to repeat and feed itself as the other three elements continue to be absorbed and utilized.

The 4 Ways to Stop a Fire

Cool it. If we polled 100 people and asked them the top way to start a fire, the survey would likely say, “Pour water on it.” Pouring water on the fuel source cools it and restores the thermal balance at which combustion becomes impossible.

Smother it. Fire blankets can stop a small fire almost instantly. Stamping out an errant spark from a bonfire or covering a grease fire with a pan lid—these all work by separating a fire from its oxygen supply, thus smothering it.

Starve it. Fires that have no fuel sources cease to be fires, because they have to have something to consume. Once consumption ends or the fuel source is removed, the fire dwindles and stops burning.

Interrupt the chain reaction. A gas called halon, though it’s now banned from production, proved incredibly effective in fighting fires by disrupting the chemical reaction that promotes combustion. Other halon replacements continue to be in use, and they are especially handy in that they are “clean” solutions that leave no residue and don’t conduct electricity.

If the fire tetrahedron makes a wreck of your home or business, we’re ready around the clock to help you recover. Contact SERVPRO anytime for fast, thorough cleanup and recovery after a fire.

SERVPRO’s Water Damage Checklist | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

It seems almost unbelievable, but it’s true—14,000 Americans every day are the unfortunate victims of a home water disaster. It happens all over the country, multiple times a minute.

And if you happen to be one of today’s crop of frustrated, soaked homeowners, we hope you know you can count on SERVPRO to get you back in the dry.

We’ll walk your property through a thorough process to get everything safely and effectively handled—here’s how it looks.

Emergency Contact. When you contact us by phone or online, we’ll quickly guide you through some questions to help us understand the situation at home. Then we’ll set up a time in the very near future when we can meet with you on site.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. If the source of water is still active when we arrive, first priority will be stopping that flow. Then we can properly assess the damage, lay down a game plan and inform you of any hazards of which you need to be made aware. We’ll also determine which items need to be replaced.

Water Removal. The removal phase begins next, wherein we bring in incredibly powerful pumps and industrial vacuums to remove invasive water gallons at a time. Hundreds, maybe even thousands, of gallons of the wet stuff will come out of your house as we do whatever it takes to completely remove every drop.

Damaged Material Removal. Our first aim for your possessions is to be able to restore them to their pre-damage conditions. However, some items may not be salvageable, and these will be removed to help expedite the drying process for the rest of your home.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. The mess water makes leaves stains, toxins and smells behind, and we’ll be hard at work getting rid of all of them.

Drying. Visible water may be gone now, but moisture remains, locked up in surfaces all over, threatening to breed mold. We’ll dry out every ounce of unneeded moisture to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Monitoring. All the while, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the proceedings, making whatever adjustments may be necessary, depending in your specific home and situation.

Repairs and Construction. Once all is dry again, we can put the final touches on your home, restoring drywall, carpet and more, and reconstructing any areas which incurred major damage.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like it never even happened.”

24-Hour Service When You Need it Most | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire issue happens during the holidays, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County.

Remember waiting for things?

It was the worst. Before the advent of same-day delivery, order-ahead apps and instant pots, there were things you simply couldn’t get right away.

And before 24-hour emergency service, cleanup and recovery for damaged homes was one of those things.

But now we live in the “now” age, and you can get instant help from your Eastern Rockland County SERVPRO mere moments after you experience a recovery need at home or at your business, even if it happens in the middle of the night or on a holiday weekend.

That’s not only convenient, it can save you further trouble and cost.

After a fire. The immediate effects of a fire are painfully obvious to the eye. But you may not realize the hidden, quick work being done by soot, the tiny, sticky particle bits left over after incomplete combustion. These latch on to carpet and surfaces instantly and start digging in, creating stains in minutes.

In a matter of a few hours, soot and its partner smoke can cause irreparable damage to walls, ceilings, flooring and furniture. You don’t have time to wait, and we won’t make you.

After water damage. The timeline to active mold after water damage is a measly 48 hours. After that time, you’re guaranteed to have mold on damaged walls and affected surfaces in moistened areas. It’s imperative that water be removed and thoroughly extracted from your home right away, because mold can cause health problems, as well as threaten your home’s structural integrity.

There are all kinds of possibilities for acute damage when storms and natural disasters rip through town as well. And while you can’t be fully prepared for all of them, you can know the right call to make to get help as soon as your issue presents itself. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a tornado, you always know you’ve got help right away when you call the industry leaders at SERVPRO.

When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.

Commercial Fire and Emergency Escape Planning | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is a premier fire damage cleanup and restoration company.

An emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses; however the Occupational Safety and Health Admin. (OSHA) recommends building an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business. OSHA suggests the following when creating your plan: 

Organize a Preparedness Procedure review with employees to review your company's emergency plan. You may want to select an individual or team to lead and coordinate your emergency plan. 

Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees. At all times ensure all routes are clearly marked, well lit, unobstructed, and wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel.

Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. Designate a safe spot outside the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a head count. Once conducted, evaluate how well the plan worked and if additional training is needed. 

Every second counts during a fire, help your employees and business by being prepared by having a plan in place. Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to help with restoring your business after the disaster. Read about our commercial restoration services https://www.SERVPROeasternrocklandcounty.com/commercial-fire-damage

A Quarter of All Fires Start at Home | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County are here for you if your home is affected by fire.

Fires at home are still a problem, despite practical education, advances in technology and visible ad campaigns to try and help us put them to an end. 

How are these fires getting started, and what can we do to prevent them? Let’s dive in and take a look.

Cooking. Whenever you’re dealing with hot oil, grease and heating elements, you run the risk of something getting out of hand. And it stands to reason that the occasional fire would result from grilling or a stovetop accident. But the frustrating thing about this statistic is the fact that most of the whopping 49% of home fires that start in the kitchen happen because of unattended cooking. You read that right—the No. 1 cause of the 350,000 annual home fires in the United States is people not paying attention while they cook.

Heating equipment. When the weather gets colder, we use heaters to keep the house cozy, which introduces a natural risk of fire. Space heaters in particular have a reputation for sparking the combustibles around them, or starting fires when they overheat or tip over. If you use space heaters, make sure you’ve got a new one with more safety features.

Electrical fires. Think about how many things in your home right this second are chewing up electricity. That number may or may not get even higher depending on what time of day and who’s in the home. But if your home is older, it may not be equipped for all that electrical pull. And older wires are far more likely to fault, short-circuit or become damaged anyway.

Smoking materials. The lowest-ranking cause of home fires is, in a sense, the most costly—though only 5% of house fires are started due to smoking materials, they account for the highest percentage (almost a quarter) of all civilian fire fatalities.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.

Thoughtful Considerations for Choosing Your Service Company | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

You can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County.

Fires. Floods. Tornadoes and Noreasters. It’s a set of thoughts that may keep you up at night.

As a homeowner, you’ve likely come to accept the fact that at some point you may have to deal with an event like one of these and their effects on your home. When that day comes, you’ll have to do some quick decision-making as you decide who to call to help you through a tough moment.

You might rest easier, however, if you’re able to make your mind up in advance. Here are a few questions to guide you as you consider a restoration provider.

Are They Legit?

It’s a sad truth, but unfortunately con-men and scammers come out in full force during times of natural disaster recovery. Under-credentialed contractors swoop in to take advantage of folks in need, and they under-deliver or deliver shoddy work, or worse yet, take your deposit and scram.

When you’re reeling from a natural disaster, it’s imperative that you know you can talk to someone who will treat you with the care you deserve.

SERVPRO has become the industry leader by delivering on promises and fostering great relationships with millions of home and business owners over the course of our 50-plus years in the service industry.

And we’re trusted by punctilious national organizations like the PGA Tour who count on us to clean, restore and maintain some of the most gorgeous, manicured facilities in the country. If we can stand up to their exacting standards, you know you can trust us to take good care of your home or business.

Will They Be There When I Need Help?

You don’t want to be left waiting when you’ve got an emergency on your hands (or in your home). That’s why we’re available for emergency services every hour of every day.

We know you don’t have time to waste when water is soaking your carpet or smoke is settling into your clothes, so we’re always standing by.

Where’s a Fleet When You Need One?

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is a locally owned and operated franchise, which means we’re always nearby.

But if we need backup for major emergencies, we’re flanked by the full might of the 1,800-member national SERVPRO network. There’s no disaster too big and none too small for the pros in green.

When you call SERVPRO, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.

Keep Fire Out of Your Fall Plans | SERVPRO? of Eastern Rockland County

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

Ahh, autumn in New City. There’s just something magical about it—leaves are dropping and changing, there’s football everywhere you turn and everything smells like pumpkin spice.

Campers and hikers squeal with delight, and bags of candy begin to accumulate at your house to give out to costumed wanderers.

But even this most pleasant season brings potential for fire danger, so let’s take at a few areas in which you need to exercise caution.

Campfire Safety

Building a campfire properly is as important as putting it out properly. Use matches or a lighter only—never use an accelerant like kerosene or lighter fluid.

Build your fire safely out from under any low branches, and at least 25 feet from any structures, buildings or tents.

Make sure your fire is completely extinguished before you leave camp. Douse every last ember with water until the wood and ash is cool to the touch.

Leaf Burning

You have a few options when it comes to leaf removal. You could have them hauled away or mulched, but some residents choose to burn them as well.

You’ll need a permit and proper fire safety methods, however. Build any open flame at least 50 feet away from your home, and use a burn barrel if you can.

Also, burning anything besides organic yard material is prohibited, as it presents both fire and environmental hazards.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are a major cause of home fires as weather cools down. If you’re using one to heat your personal space on cool mornings or evenings, make sure to keep it at least three feet from anything that is flammable, including furniture, curtains or clothes.

Keep heaters on a level surface away from any activity, and upgrade to a newer model with tip-over or overheating sensitivity.

Halloween

We’ll get into detail later, but as you decorate for spooky season, make sure you’re keeping fire safety in mind, especially with the use of candles.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the fire cleanup and recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

Be Prepared for Summer Storms | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is on the line, ready to make things right.

Summertime is here in all its glory, and for many it means making great memories outdoors, playing sports or taking trips to the coast. But does it ever seem like while it’s the sunniest time of the year, it’s also the most likely time for you to get caught out in a random thunderstorm that makes you have to retreat?

There’s a reason for that.

While summer (particularly August) in Rockland County has the highest percentage of sunshine of any time of the year, the warm summer air combines with moisture to create an environment more likely to produce thunderstorms.

Be Storm-Alert

While we often don’t worry much about plain old thunderstorms because we see them so often, we should never write them off as harmless. You should pay careful attention to local weather alerts and forecasts, and consider postponing outdoor activities.

Procuring a battery-powered NOAA Weather radio will help you remain informed even in a power outage.

Flooding can happen quickly in thunderstorms, especially in areas where drainage is lacking, and if a flood alert is issued you’d do well to cancel any travel plans until you know it’s safe. And check the backyard for items that might get blown over or away by heavy storm winds—see if you can tie them down or store them out of harm’s way until the storm passes.

Storm readiness isn’t something we get excited about, but it can’t be neglected—there are dozens of storm-caused deaths each year, and many of them are preventable.

Be Storm-Safe

Staying indoors can keep you safe from the highest probability of lightning strikes. And the fact that it may stop raining doesn’t necessarily mean the outdoors are safe again: You should wait until you’ve heard no thunder for 30 minutes to return outside. This means the storm is far enough away that lightning isn’t a danger.

While indoors during a storm, windows and showers should be avoided. Windows can break if lightning strikes the house (or if debris is flying in heavy winds), and showers and water conduct electricity well enough to make them dangerous.

Keep an emergency kit ready for extreme situations like hurricanes or tornadoes—they can be lifesavers if you have to evacuate or spend extended time without power.

Stay on high ground or in the highest floor during flooding, and don’t touch flood water as it may contain contaminants or harmful chemicals. If you encounter flooded roads, turn around. Flood water can hide a completely washed away road, and it can carry your car away into danger as well.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass.

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

Why Does New City Trust SERVPRO? | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is your local restoration expert.

As a homeowner or business owner, you have a lot going on, and many points of focus that must be kept up in order to keep things running smoothly.

When a fire breaks out or a storm causes water damage, suddenly you are forced into one focal point: disaster recovery. But you’re a parent, an office manager, a small business owner; you’re not a professional cleanup and remediation expert, and the pressure of that sudden need should not be yours to bear.

That’s why SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is here—to relieve you of that pressure so you can keep your focus where it belongs: the employees in your business, or the family inside your home.

Here’s why thousands in Eastern Rockland County and millions nationwide trust SERVPRO.

We’re Always Ready and Faster to Any Size Disaster

We don’t have to get ready, because we stay ready—24 hours a day, everyday.

See, every minute you are forced to wait may mean more intense mold growth after a water damage, more deeply settled smoke smell or more soaked-through possessions. A rapid response is critical, and having a SERVPRO franchise right here in Eastern Rockland County gives you the dynamic duo of a local, agile team paired with a mighty nationwide network.

We’re Trained to Handle Residential and Commercial Services

Neither homes nor businesses are immune to the sting of natural or accidental disasters. But our five-plus decades of experience crafting custom solutions for both means that whatever the damage and whatever the cause, we can handle it.

We’ll Make It "Like it never even happened."

It’s almost like we were trained by ninja masters to leave no trace of our presence. We’ll finish your work so completely, efficiently and thoroughly, there won’t be a stitch visible that shows that work was even done.

We Offer the Services You Need in a Changing World

Deep cleaning is at a higher premium than ever, and we offer proprietary, ultra-high-grade cleaning options to keep any building free of spreadable pathogens. You get an incredible clean, and your guests get peace of mind.

*Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO has the tools, the technicians and the training to get your situation under control. When you’re ready to get help from the best, get in touch with SERVPRO.*

Your Surroundings Can Protect You From Wildfire | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is ready and able to repair any damage.

It’a a nightmare scenario for any home or property owner—seeing a wildfire come near and threaten to destroy one’s home. It may not happen often in New York, but wildfires are more common than you think. And considering the speed and veracity with which they spread, and how much combustible material is all around, it’s a wonder we can contain them at all.

But there are practical steps we can take to prevent and combat wildfires, beyond the significant difference we could make by just being more careful.

Let’s look into one of those steps: defensible space.

What Is Defensible Space?

It’s not about fighting Martian invaders—“defensible space” is a wildfire defense method employing a series of buffer zones you create around your property. By planting and pruning intentionally and purposefully, removing things like dead trees and brush which help fire spread quickly, and adding areas of hardscape or gravel around your perimeter, you can give your property a fighting chance against wildfire.

Think of it as a safety barrier (aka defense), designed to safeguard your home by slowing or removing a fire’s fuel supply as it approaches your home. It also gives firefighters a better chance of stopping a wildfire before it reaches the house.

Defensible space isn’t required by law in New York, but it’s a good practice to consider all the same.

Why Defensible Space Matters

While it’s true that the top states for wildfires are west of the Mississippi River, the fact is they can and do happen all over. There were over 59,000 wildfires across the United States in 2020, and almost 200 of them were in New York, burning up over 1,100 acres of land. (Told you we’d prove it.)

Even without California’s 10,000+ wildfires, that leaves an average of almost 1,000 fires per state, and what’s more, the first six months of 2021 have seen a 25% increase in fires already.

Defensible space is one more way we can make a difference in preventing and slowing destruction caused by wildfires.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is a experienced fire restoration company. After you have the safety plan in place, have our phone number on hand in case your home has a fire damage event. We have trained Service Technicians on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you in case of an emergency. Visit Fire Damage Services to learn more.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team.

The Rising Tide of Severe Storms | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to start the restoration process.

The year 2020 happened to be a record-setting year for bad weather. 2020 saw more weather disasters than any previous year on record, and we certainly felt the sting of it here in Rockland County.

For a weather event to be classified as a disaster, it must cause a billion dollars in damages. 2020 saw 22 such events, plus a number of other damaging storms that didn’t reach that financial benchmark.

There were so many events that the NWS had to resort to using Greek letters to name them all.

Not Just Hurricanes

Hurricanes and tropical storms (such as Isaias, which knocked out power for 2.5 million in our local region) often bear the brunt of blame for causing destruction and financial damage, but in fact the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorms and tornadoes. Of the 22 major disasters in 2020, 14 of them were thunderstorms and storm systems.

This scenario shows the potential damage of a single storm: In August 2020, what started as a normal-looking line of storms in Nebraska churned into a devastating derecho (think of a tornado, but instead of rotating winds imagine slashing, straight-line blasts) which damaged over 10 million acres of Nebraskan corn fields. That’s almost half the crop of the corn-dependent state, and over 11% of the corn crop of the entire country. 

Storms are a potential problem for everyone, and as a home or business owner, you should take all the necessary precautions to protect your property and anyone in it from dangerous storms. But should those precautions prove insufficient or ineffective in an unexpected weather disaster, remember that you’ve got a friend in the restoration industry.

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO today to see how we can help.

Putting Customer Safety First in a Post-Pandemic Environment | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re business has sanitation and cleaning needs, get in touch with the SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County team.

The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is gaining momentum everywhere from suburban areas like Congers to major metroplexes like NYC that were major hotspots. Communities are seeing signs of “regular” life reemerge, and business owners are hopeful for a full return to normalcy as much as anyone.

But as society returns to habits of physical shopping, customers are more aware than ever of the need for a sanitized environment in which to shop, and it’s on you as a business owner to make sure their concerns are assuaged.

So what if we told you there’s a way not only to offer a next-level clean environment for employees and customers, but a way for them to know it before they even walk inside?

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives your business access to high-grade, custom cleaning compounds and techniques that have been used to fight everything from MRSA to anthrax, and it provides ways for you to let your customers know their precious health is safe inside your building.

Let’s get the details and take a look at the three C’s of a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program.

Consult. We’ll have conversations with you about the specific areas your business needs addressed, and we’ll come up with a plan of attack to take care of them. It helps that SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is locally owned and operated, so we are already acquainted with many of the mitigating factors of the southern New York State area.

Clean. Once we have designed a plan unique to your business, we’ll get to work on what we do best—deep-cleaning. Really deep. We’ll sanitize your building with proprietary, hospital-grade cleaning methods no one else can offer. Your business will receive an extreme clean that meets or exceeds existing CDC standards, is NSF-tested for food safety and is EPA-approved for use around children, pets and the elderly. And this protection extends well beyond COVID-19—our deep-clean takes care of the everyday germs and pathogens that cause illnesses such as flu, cold and gastrointestinal disease.

Certify. Now you have earned, and can proudly display, the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield on the outside of your business, letting employees and customers know before they cross the threshold of your door that you’ve gone the extra mile and then some to create a safe business environment for them. We’ll supply you with other digital and physical resources as well, so you can let everyone know that your business is providing the ultimate clean for their protection.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

A Look at What Dangers Thunderstorms Can Cause | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County if you experience any damage.

The warmth of the spring and summer is a welcome change from the chill of winter, but this warm weather also means that thunderstorms are given ample opportunity to develop.

Thunderstorms become a regular occurrence when it is hot outside, which means that many people do not take them seriously when they become a possibility. Every thunderstorm has the potential to cause serious harm to those in its path and should be regarded with caution.

All thunderstorms contain thunder and lightning every time, in addition to heavy rain and wind. If a thunderstorm is classified as severe by weather authorities, that means hail is over an inch in diameter and winds are reaching speeds of 58 miles per hour. All of these conditions can cause serious injury and property harm to those impacted by the storm.

How Thunderstorms Can Be So Destructive

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. If there is thunder, lightning will always be present too—in fact, thunderclaps are actually caused by lightning strikes. Over 300 injuries annually are attributed to lightning strikes, in addition to the major property damage lightning can cause due to fires and falling trees.

Property damage due to hail. Hail is not present during every thunderstorm, but it is always possible and can be quite dangerous. Hail falls faster the larger it is, and can lead to injury, car dents and household damage. If hail impacts a home’s roof or siding, it can provide a way for water to work into the home and cause major water damage if left untreated over time.

Harm from flash flooding. Flash flooding is an extremely dangerous force because of how suddenly it can come about and the fact that it can occur nearly anywhere. During periods of heavy rain, storm drains can become overwhelmed and begin to overflow, causing flash flooding conditions that can be deadly. Just a few inches of water can knock an adult off their feet or move a car, so never come into contact with floodwater if it can be avoided.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for more information about our storm restoration practices.

What Kind of Water Damage do You Have?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Clean Water Or Contaminated Water

When your Rockland County, New York home or business suffers from a water damage disaster, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

There are three types of water.

Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source, and rainwater.

The term grey water is used to describe slightly contaminated water, which is usually clean water that has been left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.

Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. 

When you have water damage, don't leave your Rockland County property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County to professionally cleanup any size disaster in your home or business. 

The Water You Don't See Is The Problem

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Even small water damages in your Rockland County home have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. 

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a serious problem that will affect your property. Our SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County service technicians have the training and equipment to find and dry unseen water before secondary damage occurs. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage and expense during a fire or water damage event. 

When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to work, here are just a few of the tools our technicians use to do their job and restore your property.  

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls. 

Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate reading, allowing technicians to monitor the drying process. 

Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, technicians can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but  also to disinfect and deodorize. 

Ultra Low-Volume Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard to reach areas. 

Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles. 

These are just a few pieces of the professional grade equipment that each SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County technician is trained to use to help ensure your property is completely restored.

If Disaster Strikes Your Eastern Rockland County Home Will You Be READY?

5/2/2021 (Permalink)

1. Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps, and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
2. Develop and test emergency communication plans.
3. Assemble or update emergency supplies. 
4. Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
5. Participate in a preparedness discussion, training, or class. 
6. Collect and safeguard critical documents.
7. Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
8. Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
9. Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.
10. Hold a scenario-based continuity of operations tabletop exercise for your organization.

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself and your property. After the emergency call SERVPRO  of Eastern Rockland County to help with water, fire, mold and storm cleanup and restoration. 

What To Do Before Help Arrives to Your Rockland County Home

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems. 

Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If your Nyack, or Nanuet Rockland County home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase chances of a successful restoration.

Do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. 
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer/refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during the winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. 
• Change HVAC filters; leave system off until a trained professional can check the system. 
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don't:

• Don't attempt to wash walls, painted surfaces, furniture or carpets. Instead call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County.
• Do not attempt to clean electrical appliances before consulting authorized repair service.
• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as it may be contaminated. 
• Do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock.
• Don't send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor. 

SERVPRO Of Eastern Rockland County Ready Plan APP: Help At Your Fingertips

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Ready Plan Mobile Application provides home and business owners with a quick and convenient way to call in to SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County when disaster strikes. The Ready Plan App is a free emergency preparedness tool offered by SERVPRO, and can be downloaded on your Android or iPhone.

The application allows both residential and commercial Rockland County property owners and managers to create an Emergency READY Profile containing critical facility information that can help speed up response time after fire or water damage occurs.

In addition to property details, the application tracks prior loss history, utility shut off locations, key contacts; stores photos of the damage; and integrates local weather forcasts and more, including our SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County contact information. 

Through the application, the user can quickly call SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County or submit an electronic "First notice of Loss" to the SERVPRO National Call Center setting the wheels of recovery in motion. Rapid response can help the owner evaluate options, and start the insurance process and take the right steps from the beginning to bring their property back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

The Behavior of Smoke

4/25/2021 (Permalink)

Soot Webbing

The damage to your Rockland County New York property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke.

There are two different types of smoke--wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire.

SERVPRO technicians are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration, and know the different types of smoke and its behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration.

Before restoration begins, the technicians will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on your precious items. 

Smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Our knowledge of building systems helps us to investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor. 
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Types of Smoke:

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber) Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood) Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke dries. 

Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire) Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs) While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO technicians can, in most cases restore the contents and structure quickly. 

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) Special loss situations require special care.

Our SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County technicians are trained to handle even the toughest losses. And make any smoke disaster "Like it never even happened."

Not A Good Surprise: Mold Found Inside A Wall

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County has specialized mold removal equipment and trained technicians to get the job done right. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any source of water must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your Rockland County home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today - 1(800)497-7179. Read our Mold Blog to learn more about mold. Visit our Mold Web Page to learn about all our services

Every Second Counts: Fire Safety

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home or work space. It is critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place.

Once the plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home or office understands the plan. The best way to do this is to discuss and practice the plan at least twice a year.

The following are a suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan: 

• Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead to outside open easily. 
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second floor. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laoratory. 
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance from the home or business where everyone can meet. Make sure to mark this location on the map. 
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you are not able to help them. 

Fire Prevention tips:

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them monthly.
• Don't Wait, Check the Date-Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. 
• Store matches and Lighters safely, mainly out of the reach of children. Also, make sure you store them in locations where combustion or exposure to flames might be an issue.
• Practice proper cooking safety. Don't leave cooking food unattended, have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, keep children and pets away from the kitchen while cooking. 
• Be careful with all open flames, never leave them unattended. 
• Generators should always be used outside the home. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when a generator is not working or vented properly. 

The key is to reduce risks by practicing fire safety in your home and business, while there are no guarantees taking these steps will help prevent fires and keep your property, family or coworkers safe.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is a trusted leader in the fire damage restoration industry. We are a local company with over 25 years of experience in fire damage cleanup. 

Read our Fire Damage restoration services page to learn more.

SERVPRO Employee: Citizen of the Year

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is a locally owned and operated company, and it is very important to us to be involved and help our community wherever we can. We couldn't be more proud of our very own Karen Centuaro.  She was recognized as Citizen of the Year for all of the amazing work she does in our community.  She has been a valuable employee with SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for many years, and has led many of our community service projects. We can't stress how proud we are and wish her luck with every endeavor she takes on in the future for our community. Congratulations Karen! Keep up the good work!

Destroy Odors with Deodorization

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

As various materials burn the odorous residues and deposits on surfaces are left behind. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors. 

We have Production Managers and Service Technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), to handle specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. 

Our services don't cover up the odor with fragrance; we seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, we use the SERVPRO proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any savable items in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC ducts and more. 

We also handle other odors that may require deodorization:

• Cigarette Smoke
• Pet Odors
• Decomposition
• Mold

Whether its fire, water, mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County will make it "Like it never even happened." Call to learn about our Fire Damage Cleanup Services (845)634-1660. 

Winter Weather Worries: Ice Dams and Frozen Pipes

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are not only those exposed to the cold weather, such as outdoor pipes, but also pipes in cold areas like basements, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your home if not properly and quickly fixed. 

According to The American Red Cross here are some tips to prevent pipes from freezing:

• Drain water completely from swimming pool, sprinkler system and outside hoses.
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near plumbing.
• In extreme cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes.
• Keep your heat set at the same temperature day and night. The temperature should not be set below 55°f 

Ice Dams

Ice dams can cause major damage during the snowy season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof's shingles and into the structure's interior areas, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall. Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, (source Travelers.com) check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along ceiling of exterior walls in your home. These are indicators that ice dams have occurred and water has penetrated the roof membrane. Remove the ice dam quickly to prevent major water damage to your homes exterior and interior. Using heated cables, a roof shovel, or calcium chloride ice melt can be used to alleviate the ice dam problem. 

If winter weather causes water damage to your property, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County has highly trained professional technicians ready to restore your property.

Why SERVPRO? Donna and Charlie Vingoe

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Donna and Charlie Vingoe at the Customer Appreciation Dinner

Charlie and Donna Vingoe have been the proud owners of SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County for the past 25 years.  Since 1995 they have been providing exceptional service to residential and commercial clients in the damage restoration industry of water, fire, mold, and commercial cleanup. As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, our goal is to provide excellent customer service and do what is best for our customers to complete the restoration of their property to its preloss condition, and make it "Like it never even happened."

Our staff understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage disaster, and the disruption it causes your life, home or business. When an unexpected disaster strikes, professional and compassionate contact from the initial phone call to the promised timely arrival can relieve the stressful conditions for the property owner. Our well-trained, IICRC certified Production Managers and Service Technicians are available 24/7 to mitigate the damage and help restore not only the structure, but also to support our customers.  

Our “SERVPRO Green Trucks” are full with commercial grade equipment and products ready to help restore your property and life back to its original state or better!  Our customers can rest assure that our Production Managers and Office Staff will assist them through the difficult process with insurance claims and paperwork. No damage is too large or small for SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County.

For the past twenty-five years we have worked in the area, so we understand the nuances and vibe of Rockland County.  We are also members of the local BNI’s of Rockland County and various other organizations.

Charlie and Donna, have a great team of Production Managers, Service Technicians and Office Staff, and are proud members of the local community and SERVPRO community of franchises.  Don’t hesitate to call us in your time of need after a water, fire or biohazard disaster, we are “Here to Help” (845) 634-1660.

Industry Certifications

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

The Behavior of Smoke

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke.

There are two different types of smoke--wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County technicians are trained in fire cleanup and restoration, and know the different types of smoke and its behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, the technicians will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on your precious items. 

Smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Our knowledge of building systems helps us to investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor. 
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber) Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood) Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke dries. 

Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire) Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs) While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County technicians can, in most cases restore the contents and structure quickly. 

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) Special loss situations require special care.

Our technicians have the training and equipment necessary to handle even the toughest losses. And make any smoke disaster "Like it never even happened." To Learn more read our fire brochure 

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

Dryer Fire

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death. This Eastern Rockland County home had a fire in their laundry room. To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home, clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup. Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles. 

Build an Emergency Kit

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Be Prepared at your home or business with an Emergency Kit. https://www.ready.gov/ suggests you have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below are some suggested items to include in your kit.

• 3-day Supply of non-perishable food
• Water-One gallon per person per day
• First-aid kit
• Prescription Medication
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Fire Extinguisher
• Hygiene products
• Flashlights
• Extra Batteries
• Cell phone charger
• Change of clothes
• Matches in weatherproof container
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Whistle to signal for help
• Pet supplies
• Infant supplies
• Important documents in weatherproof container (insurance documents, bank records, IDs)

You can also keep a condensed Emergency Kit in your vehicle as well. For a more extensive kit go to ready.gov/

Smoke Alrams: LIFE SAVERS

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and on every level, including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all codes are met.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarms unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half the fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA). 

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA). 

If you need help installing, testing, or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross. 

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency escape plan in place and conduct regular drills to ensure proper execution of the plan. The NFPA website  is a good resource for information. 

Do You Have Mold?

2/22/2019 (Permalink)

No matter how big or small the mold problem may be, SERVPRO is your remediation and cleanup team. Mold can be a serious issue and should be handled by professionally trained remediation experts.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

Every mold damage scenario is different, and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process is the same. The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

1. Call SERVPRO
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

SERVPRO can make it "Like it never even happened."

The Science Behind Drying

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Air Fans

Did you know there is a science behind the process of drying? SERVPRO has both the training and equipment essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. 

SERVPRO is trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. 

SERVPRO will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage form happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly. 
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional dying equipment.

What does it mean to help speed up mother nature? A building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material, but this only happens if the air is indeed drier. Often secondary mold damage occurs because the material does not dry fast enough. 

SERVPRO has specialized equipment to help dry hardwood floors, inside walls, and much more. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO has the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Featured Member of the Chamber of Commerce

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

For over 20 years, Charlie and Donna Vingoe have owned the SERVPRO franchises of Northwest Bergen and Southern & Eastern Rockland County, located on Crescent Ave. in Waldwick. SERVPRO, a residential and commercial cleanup and restoration firm, provides 24/7 emergency water and fire/smoke/soot damage cleanups, sewage cleanups, mold remediation, bio-hazardous cleanings such as crime scene and hoarder situations, and carpet and upholstery cleanings. 

Since 1995, the Vingoe’s SERVPRO have earned the trust of 100’s of national insurance carriers, as well as home and business owners alike, by making water and fire damage cleanups “Like it never even happened.” Their local SERVPRO team of industry certified and experienced production managers, technicians and office staff are experts in helping you with your cleanup and throughout the mitigation process. SERVPRO’s reputation is based on “Readiness”, being ready to help when disaster strikes, “Faster”, being faster to any sized disaster and committed to being “Here to Help”, with the philosophy of understanding the customer’s wants and needs. SERVPRO’s goal is to make a difficult time less challenging. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen and Southern & Eastern Rockland County has been recognized as one of the top 100 SERVPRO’s in the country, out of over 1800, for the past ten years and are members of SERVPRO’s National Franchise Advisory Board and the Northern New Jersey Sub-Regional Advertising Committee. 

Charlie, Donna and the entire SERVPRO team take great pride in giving back to the community and believe their business has a responsibility to “pay it forward”. SERVPRO actively participates with The Waldwick Chamber of Commerce and is part of their Executive Board. SERVPRO works together on Chamber events that support local charities, community volunteer organizations, the town’s beautification, and the promotion of business Chamber members. SERVPRO sponsors the Chamber’s 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk, networking events, Small Business Saturday, and Disco Nights for The Center for Hope and Safety. SERVPRO also sponsors Waldwick Day, several town recreational sports teams and sports banners, local educational fundraising events by donating tricky tray raffle items and monetary donations to various town volunteer organizations. SERVPRO has established a scholarship for a graduating senior from Waldwick High School and is the Emergency Evacuation Shelter and Meeting Point for the Crescent Elementary School. SERVPRO has initiated and sponsored the following charity events for local community members, Bridges for Katie, Kisses for Kelly Comedy Night & Subs for Super Bowl, A Night at the Hermitage for Laura A., a Variety Night for Hope with Heart and a Bruce Springsteen Cover Band Concert for Kerry.

Waldwick Chamber of Commerce Featured Member

To contact Charlie and Donna’s SERVPRO, call 1-800-497-7179 or 201-236-2400

Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

DID YOU KNOW?The Top Three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year's Day and Christmas EvePretty lights, candles and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season, however, if they are not used carefully your holidays may go from festive to frightening very quickly. American Red Cross offers thefollowing safety tips:

• Place Christmas trees, candles and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters radiators heat vents and candles.
• Make sure light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords.
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas Trees.
• Keep anything that can catch fire-pot holders/mitts, wooden utensils, paper bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains away from your stove top.
• Designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and fire places are properly extinguished after the guests leave.

Are You Winter Weather Ready?

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for the coming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. from heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

• Check property for downed tree limbs and branches.
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to help ensure they are in proper working order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your foundation. Clear gutters of debris, leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water damage problems.
• Inspect handrails and stairwells as well as entryways to address and correct potential slippery surfaces.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under cabinets, leave the doors open allowing warm air inside the cabinet. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucets to ensure it drains.
• Call SERVPRO about completing an Emergency Ready Profile for your business or downloading the READY Plan APP. 

Be Prepared: Build a Kit

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

In our area we don't get hurricanes often, however we can get severe storms and being prepared is still important. One of the best ways to prepare for bad weather and emergencies is to have an emergency kit ready. Don't forget to check the kit every month to make sure items are still working or in code.

Build An Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water-1 gallon per person per day
• Food-non-perishable 3-day supply
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust mask or bandana
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench/pliers
• Hygiene items
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher

For more information on building a kit visit https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Presidential Proclamation encourages citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities to increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent breast cancer. Visit the Breast Cancer Awareness Website for valuable information about Breast Cancer Awareness. 

Does Your Home or Business Have a Mold Problem?

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. SERVPRO has specialized mold removal equipment and trained technicians to get the job done right. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any source of water must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to mitigate your mold infestation.

Preparing For A Flood: Be Flood Smart

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen fast. Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. 

The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an emergency or evacuation due to flooding.

• Water-3+ day supply; one gallon per day per person
• Food-3+day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries (all sizes)
• First Aid Kit
• Medications (7 day supply) and medical items (hearing aids, glasses, contacts, syringes, canes)
• Multi-purpose tool, supplies to secure your home
• Personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication lists, deed/lease to home, insurance policies, birth certificates)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Blanket
• Baby supplies, pet supplies
• Maps
• Extra car and house keys
• Extra clothing for both warm, cold and rainy weather-sturdy footwear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage

Preparedness For Pets Before, During and After Storms

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Have you accounted for your four legged best friend when emergency planning?

Pets are just as important as any family member to most people, so why would you not make them a part of your preparedness planning? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well during an emergency.

Pet Emergency kit: https://www.ready.gov/animals is a great resource for a list of essentials needed in your Pet Emergency kit. 

Food: At least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container.

Water: At least three days of water specially for your pets.

Medicines and medical records.

Important Documents: Registration information, adoption papers, and vaccination documents. Talk to your Veterinarian about micro-chipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery database. 

First Aid Kit: Cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment.  Flea and Tick prevention, latex gloves, saline solution, isopropyl alcohol. Include a Pet Fist Aid reference book.

Collar or harness with ID tags, rabies tag and a leash. 

Crate or pet carrier: Have a sturdy, safe crate or carrier in case you need to evacuate. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down. 

Sanitation: Pet litter and litter box if needed. Newspaper, paper towels, plastic trash bags and chlorine bleach. 

A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated, a picture of you and your pet together will help document ownership and allow others to assist you. Add species, breed, age, sex color and distinguishing characteristics.

Familiar items: Treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress.

Evacuations: While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans, be sure to include pets. If evacuation happens, don't leave pets behind as they can be lost or injured.

Be sure to take four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. 

source: Restoration Newsline Vol. 29 Issue 10

Fires Are Preventable

10/4/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to your home or business property, there are certain safety precautions that can be taken to help prevent fires. 

Electrical and Appliance Safety

• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately ad do not run cords under rugs of furniture. 
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never try to force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Immediately shut-off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Fireplace and Woodstoves

• Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions
• Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. 
• Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. 

Source: ready.gov

Smoke Alarms: Life Savers

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Assoc. (NFPA). 

Follow these tips:

1. In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and on every level, including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all codes are met. 
2. Test Smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other smoke alarms need batteries replaced every year and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms are present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries. (source NFPA)
3. In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building is smoke is detected in just one area. (source NFPA)

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarm, contact your local fire department, electrician or the American Red Cross.

(Source: Restoration Newsline Vol.29, Issue 9)

September is National Preparedness Month

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month, and it is the perfect opportunity to share the benefits of having a readiness plan in place with your customers, employees and family. 

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens." In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile:

• The no-cost assessment ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations, and priority locations.
• The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download the SERVPRO free Ready Plan APP  to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet. 
• Establishes SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. Knowing who to call in advance is key to a quick response and timely mitigation, helping to minimize the amount of time your business is inactive. 

Preparation is the key to making it through any disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. No one plans on a disaster, but now you can have a plan in place when it happens. 

Tips for Defense Against Mold Growth

8/9/2018 (Permalink)

8/9/2018

Did you know? Prompt mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth, which can be visible in as little as 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions.  The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage or excessive mold growth will happen to your building. 

Follow these tips to help prevent mold growth in your home or business. 

• Keep the humidity between 30 and 60 percent.
• Provide proper drainage away from building foundations.
• Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks.
• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.
• Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building and perform necessary maintenance.
• Respond to all water intrusions immediately. 

Don't forget to contact SERVPRO for professional water removal and mold mitigation. We are Faster to any size disaster.

Extreme Heat Safety

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

Now that summer time is here, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat. Heat affects all people, but mainly the young, elderly and sick. There are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. If you must go outdoors, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting and fainting. (according to the Center for Disease Control) Heat Exhaustion can lead to Heat Stroke which is life threatening. Signs of Heat Stroke are a high body temperature (103 Degrees or more) rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has Heat Stroke, call 911, and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce the body temperature with cool wet clothes or a bath. Do not give a person with Heat Stroke fluids- treat the situation as a serious medical emergency. For more info visit ready.gov  Extreme Heat Tips to Prepare Your Home 

• Install window air conditioners snugly, insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outdoors.
• Weather strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers.
• Keep storm windows up all year.

Managing Mold: From Ordinary to the Unhealthy

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

6/12/2018 - Future Scheduled Date

From the Ordinary

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing baked goods and other food products. The unique flavor of Blue Cheese is a result of mold, and edible mushrooms are a type of fungi. Lifesaving penicillin is also a product of mold (Penicillin-chrysogenum). 

Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms of mold can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to mold may present health concerns for some people.

To The Unhealthy

Water intrusion events such as storm damage, plumbing leaks or equipment failures, and poor humidity control, in your home or business can result in mold growth. When these water intrusions are not addressed quickly the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. However, if the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply into mold colonies. Organic materials found inside a building, such as paper, fabric, drywall, wood, and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat. 

Health Concerns

Health Concerns may arise with excessive mold growth indoors. These concerns will likely arise for people that are considered "at risk", which might include immune suppressed or compromised individuals, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with allergies or asthma. However, anyone can experience problems associated with exposure to mold. Possible health effects include: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aggravation of asthma, sore throat or inflammation of the sinuses. 

Take Precations

If there is an ongoing moisture problems in the building/home it is important to be alert for signs of mold growth:

• Presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors
• Evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold
• Excessive humidity

Help is Here

Sometimes a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional will be required to inspect and test the building for mold growth and provide reports on the type of mold present. After, the reports are done our SERVPRO Technicians can start the mold mitigation process. 

Fire Safety Tips

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

5/24/2018

Follow these Fire Safety and Prevention Tips 

Fire prevention should be your first concern. The next best thing is to make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if there is a fire in the home. 

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them monthly.
• Know two ways out of every room in your home.
• Create a home fire escape plan, practice it at least twice a year.
• Identify a meeting place outside your home for your family or anyone who lives in the home. 
• Don't Wait, Check the Date-Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. 
• Store matches and Lighters safely, mainly out of the reach of children. Also, make sure you store them in locations where combustion or exposure to flames might be an issue.
• Practice proper cooking safety. Don't leave cooking food unattended, have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, keep children and pets away from the kitchen while cooking. 
• Be careful with all open flames, never leave them unattended. 
• Generators should always be used outside the home. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when a generator is not working or vented properly. 

The key is to reduce risks by practicing fire safety in your home, while there are no guarantees taking these steps will help prevent fires and keep your family safe

Managing Mold

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Infestation

When there's a water intrusion event like a leaky roof or leaky water line, mold can quickly become a problem in you home or business. Mold can  cause health issues and can also cause significant damage to your property. Our Technicians have the training,protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle any size mold problems at your property. Although every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, the general mitigation process remains the same, the following is a typical mold removal process. 

Call SERVPRO A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel needed. An independent Air Quality/Environmental Professional may be needed to do the initial mold testing. 

Inspection and Damage Assessment Your property will be carefully inspected by SERVPRO for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

Air Filtration Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. We have powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Removing Mold and Mold Infested Materials The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the type of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Cleaning Contents and Belongings Restorable items such as furniture, decorative items, and curtains affected by mold can be cleaned. We use a variety of cleaning methods and techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. Technicians are trained to remove odors with specialized fogging equipment. 

Restoration Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs or major reconstruction.

Our Professional Technicians have the training and equipment to mitigate mold in your home or business.

Water Damage may Lead to Mold Growth

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Growth detector mold protimeter

Did You Know?

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water pipe, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health, and can also cause significant damage to your property. 

Signs of the presence of excessive mold include:

• Visible Mold
• Strong, musty odors
• Excessive humidity
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems. Our technicians have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. 

The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process:

1. Call Your SERVPRO Professional Technician
2. Inspection & Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold & Mold Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration/Rebuild

Halt Winter Heating Fire Hazards

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Fire, Cleanup

Did you know? 50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January and February.

Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a heating-related fire. 

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment., like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot "kid free" zone around open fires and space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container a safe distance away from your home. 
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions. 
• Test smoke alarms monthly. 

If your property does suffer fire damage in your home or business, contact SERVPRO to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Carbon Monoxide: A silent Cold-Weather Killer

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. According to ready.gov, an average of 430 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Often times, it is the result of faulty, improperly used, or vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters and engine-powered equipment such as portable generators. There are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family and your employees from deadly CO fumes. Reduce CO fumes exposure in your home or workplace by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, including outside bedrooms. Consider having all fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional. Use portable generators only in well ventilated areas away from openings to prevent fumes from entering the home/building. Visit usfa.fema.gov or osha.gov for more info on CO safety.

Is Your Property Ready for Winter?

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious damage. While you cannot control weather, you can take steps to be prepared, and help take the sting out of winter weather. 

• Check your property for downed tree limbs and branches.
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper working order. Obstructions can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. 
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under cabinets, leave the doors open allowing warm air inside. If you have outdoor faucets, turn off the water at the main valve.
• Ask SERVPRO about completing an Emergency READY Profile for your business. The ERP is a no cost assessment of your facility, and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster.

Fireplace Safety Tips

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Fireplace Safety Tips

Curling up in front of a warm fireplace is one of the many joys of the fall and winter seasons. Every type of fireplace, whether wood-burning, gas, or electric, poses a potential danger to children.

Use these tips to keep your family safe from fireplace dangers:

• If possible, keep a window cracked open while the fire is burning.
• Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
• Use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. Dried wood burns with less smoke and burns more evenly,
• Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
• Clean out ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less because a thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
• The chimney should be checked annually by a professional. Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is important to check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.
• Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of anything that is potentially flammable (ie: furniture, drapes, newspapers, books, etc.). If these items get too close to the fireplace, they could catch fire.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. If you leave the room while the fire is burning or the fireplace is still hot, take your small child with you.
• Minimize your child’s chance of burns from the hot glass front of some fireplaces. Safety screens can be installed to reduce the risk of burns.
• Put fireplace tools and accessories out of a young child’s reach. Also, remove any lighters and matches.
• Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Communicate to children as early as possible the dangers of fires and the heat generated from them.

source: https://www.healthychildren.org/English

Are You Winter READY!

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Cold weather and winter storms can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rains and wind, freezing temperatures, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. Take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of the winter blues.

• After winter storms check your property for downed tree limbs and branches. Downed limbs can cause damage to your property and lead to possible water damage issues.
• Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutters should be clear of debris and directed away from buildings. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems. 
• Inspect property for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairs, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post cautions signs.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temps fall below freezing. If pipes are under cabinets, leave the cabinet doors open.
•  Consider turning outdoor faucets off at the main valve. Once shut remember to drain the outdoor faucet. 

When winter weather strikes and causes a disaster, call SERVPRO to strike back!

Kitchen Cautions

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Cleanup and Safety

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, which includes cooking large dinners, but if you don't practice safe cooking habits your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires is unattended cooking. Here are some useful tips to avoid cooking fires:

• Be on ALERT! If you are sleepy or consumed alcohol don't use the stove.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, and remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. 
• Keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels) away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 or the local fire department after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fire. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is cooled completely. 

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out

10/17/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Restoration and Safety

October is Fire Prevention Month and an excellent time to examine the emergency preparedness plans for your home and business.

1. Do you have a fire escape plan?
2. Have you changed your Smoke Alarm batteries within the last year?
3. Are you prepared? 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets aside a designated week each October to focus on Fire Prevention. This years theme is "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 ways out!" 

According to the NFPA, once the fire alarm goes off "you have less than two minutes to get out safely," yet only 8% of people surveyed said getting out was the first thought after hearing the alarm. Creating, implementing, and practicing a fire escape plan for your home or business may be the difference between safety and tragedy. Make your plan today. Visit http://www.nfpa.org/fpw

October is Fire Prevention Month: Every Second Counts

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Detectors Save Lives

Every Second counts during a fire.

Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home. That is why every second counts, it is critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. Once a plan is developed, it is important that everyone in the home understands the plan. The best way to do this is to practice the escape plan at least twice a year. 

A survey by the American Red Cross shows only 26% of families have a fire escape plan in place. 

Here are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan. 

• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. (Store them by the window)
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped, emergency personnel will also be able to see you. Make sure to mark this on your plan. 
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. 
• Practice your plan twice a year during the day and at night. 

Increase your chance of surviving a fire by having working smoke/fire detectors in place, developing an escape plan, and then practicing the plan with the family. 

At SERVPRO our priority is your safety. We are here to help you to prepare for possible disasters, and restore your home after a disaster strikes.

Extreme HEAT

7/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Preparedness

As summer approaches it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat. Heat affects all people, but is particularly dangerous for the sick, elderly and young. Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect.

According to the EPA, "the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, to temperatures 50-90° F hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces often in more rural settings remain close to air temperatures." 

Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for an prevent extreme heat from affecting you and your family. If possible stay indoors I the air conditioning. Remember to bring your pets indoors, or have shade and water available for them at all times. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. 

If you must venture outdoors, wear light-colored, and loose-fitted clothing. It is also important to wear sunscreen when outdoors, and follow the instructions for application. 

Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which include: heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, and fainting according to the Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103°+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Try to reduce the body temperature with cool, wet clothes or a bath. Do not give the person with heat stroke fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency. (CDC)

If you live in a humid climate, be aware of the heat index. The heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15° hotter. 

Extreme Heat Safety Tips to Prepare Your Home

• Install window air conditioners snugly, insulate if necessary
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper ventilation
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes). Aluminum foil covered card board can be used to reflect heat back outside. 
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers, to reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.

source ready.gov

Extreme Heat is a serious danger. For more information on preparation and prevention, visit https://www.ready.gov/ or https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/index.html

The Mold Mitigation & Remediation Process

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak from a storm or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business.  Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO technicians have the training, protective gear, specialized equipment and cleaning products to handle your mold problem. 

Call SERVPRO, the mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call. Our customer service will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed. 

Inspection & Damage Assessment, we will inspect your property for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment, we use various containment procedures that prevent the spread of mold.  The contaminated  area is isolated  with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup. 

Air Filtration, equipment captures microscopic mole spores our of the air. Technicians use powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-infested materials, is dependent on the amount of mold growth and the type of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies forming.  Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents & Belongings, we clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. A variety of cleaning techniques are used to clean and sanitize your belongings. Technicians will also remove odors and deoderize using fogging equipment.

Restoration, may include removing drywall, subfloors, and other building material depending on the level of mold damage. Restoration may involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new flooring. Or major renovations if the mold damage is extensive. 

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too and are proud to be part of this community. We are proud to provide mold remediation services in our community.

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup and Restoration

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup and Restoration

Recognized as a leading fire, water, and mold restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO also offers fast and reliable biohazard, vandalism and crime scene cleanup and restoration services. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. 

SERVPRO technicians are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. 

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO helps turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. 

Our services cover the following issues:

• Bloodbourne Pathogens: SERVPRO removes and disposes of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substance resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Technicians clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
• Methamphetamine Labs: Many chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO follows federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces. 
• Crime Scene Residues: Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues can be cleaned from surfaces and contents to restore your property. 
• Arson and Vandalism: After the fire trucks are gone, your home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet. 
• Sewage Backups: Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
• Black Water Intrusions: This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation: Mold can produce allergens and irritants and has the potential to cause other health effects. Mold can spread quickly through your home or business in as little as 48 hours. If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

May is National Building Safety Month

4/27/2017 (Permalink)

Building Safety Month is an initiative of the International Code Council. Building Safety Month-is an opportunity to educate insurance and commercial property professionals as well as the general public, on "what it takes to create safe, resilient, affordable, and energy efficient homes and buildings," according the ICC website. 

The theme for 2017 is Code Officials~Partners in Community Safety and Economic Growth, and highlights managing disasters, specifically natural disasters. Some of the topics and tips shared throughout the month include Disaster Safety and Mitigation, as well as, Fire Safety and Awareness. 

Important Tips From The ICC

Disaster Safety & Mitigation

• If you live in a high wind or hurricane prone area and do not have tested and code-approved shutters for protection from windborne debris, consider temporarily protecting your doors and windows by mounting exterior grade plywood. Visit www.flash.org for more info.

• Flooded roads could have a significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It only take 6 inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet and two feet of moving water to move an SUV-sized vehicle. Want more info visit www.iccsafe.org

• 
  

  Here are a few tips to follow from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – (FLASH®) when preparing your family for any emergency.

  
  
  
  • Develop a family disaster plan that includes a list of food and water supplies needed for each member of your family and supplies for your pets. Make copies of important documents like insurance policies, the deed to your home, and other personal papers, important phone numbers and a home inventory. Create a checklist of important things to do before, during and after a disaster.
  
  
  • Review your evacuation route and emergency shelter locations with your family. Options for evacuation would include staying with friends and relatives, seeking commercial lodging, or staying in a mass care facility operated by disaster relief groups in conjunction with local authorities.
  
  
  • Taking shelter is critical in times of disaster. Sheltering in place is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment, or other location where you are when disaster strikes.

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold in Your Home

2/14/2017 (Permalink)

Be Careful! Without proper tools or training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home. 

What To Do:

• Stay out of affected areas. 
• Turn off the HVAC systems and fans
• Contact SERVPRO Bergen & Rockland County for mold remediation.

What Not To Do:

• Don't touch or disturb the mold
• Don't blow air across any surface with visible mold growth
• Don't attempt to dry the area yourself
• Don't spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

About our Mold Remediation Services:

SERVPRO specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it's a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professional that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. 

If you see mold, call SERVPRO today!

Portable Fire Extinguishers

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Safety And Fire Cleanup

Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggest remembering the word PASS: 

Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. 

Aim low. Point the extinguisher as the base of the fire. 

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. 

Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your home or facility. To find more information on choosing the appropriate class extinguisher, please visit the NFPA website at http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards?mode=code&code=10

Is Your Property Winter Ready?

12/5/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Cleanup, Water Restoration, Mold Remediation

CELEBRATE SAFELY WITH A RECIPE FOR SAFETY

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

• Be On Alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don't use the stove or stove top.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire away from the stove top--that includes oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

Have a safe Holiday Season!

Can You Do It In Under 2 Minutes?

10/20/2016 (Permalink)

Fires Safety, Cleanup and Restoration.

EXIT a Fire

Every Second Counts during a fire. Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it's too late to get out.* In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few tips to help you develop a plan.

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by recognized testing laboratory.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Mark this place on your escape plan map.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.

Practice your escape plan during the day and nighttime.

*Tips provided by the American Red Cross

Biohazard, Vandalism and Crime Scene Cleanup and Restoration Services

7/14/2016 (Permalink)

24 Hour Emergency Service

Recognized as a leading fire, water, mold cleanup and restoration provider by insurance companies, property managers, home and business owners, SERVPRO Eastern Rockland also offers fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. SERVPRO Eastern Rockland is trained to safely and effectively remove bioharzardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.  Equipped with the necessary safety wquipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO Eastern Rockland help turn unsafe environemnts into clean, safe homes and offices.

SERVPRO Eastern Rockland can help with: 

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Crime Scence Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backup
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Blood Bourne Pathogens: SERVPRO Eastern Rockland can remove and dispose of bodily fluilds, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Our trained technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure. 

Crime Scene Residue: From fingerprints powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO techs can clean and restore your property and contents. 

Arson and Vandalism: General cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vanadlism including graffitti, egg, spoiled foods and waste. 

Sewage Backup: Sewage backups and black water intrutions are more than nasty, smelly situations-the damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Eastern Rockland technicians remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. We help ensure the strucutre is properly cleaned, disinfected and deodorized to eliminate any secondary damages. 

Here are some Helpful Do's and Don'ts for handling Vandalism Damages.

DO:

• Hose or wash egg or other residue damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers revealing the ingredients of products used in vandalism damage.
• Record all damage and photograph when possible.

DON'T

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Discard broken or damaged pieces from porcelain, furniture, or other contents that may be used for repair. 

CALL SERVPRO Eastern Rockland

Celebrate Summer Safely: Fireworks

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

Answer E! Have a Safe Fourth of July!

Summer is synonymous with barbeques, parades and fireworks displays; but along with all the the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms-especially during July.

Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage. 

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear. 
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. 
• Children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professional.
• Have a Happy Fourth of July.

Firework Facts:

• Fireworks cause an average of almost 20,000 reported fires per year.
• In 2013, sparklers caused 41% of fireworks injuries.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks account for two out of five reported fires, more than any other cause of fire. 

Tips and information provided by the National Fire Protection Assoc. 

Managing MOLD

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

Mold on ceiling tile-Mold remediation.

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process. 

CALL 1(800)497-7179 
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our office. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the neccessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed. 

Inspection and Damage Assessment
Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. 

Mold Containment
Various containment procedures will be places to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. 

Air Filtration
Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress. 

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Cleaning Contents and Belongings
SERVPRO will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings.  

Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpets; or it may involve major repairs such as the reconstruction of entire rooms within your home or business. 

No matter how big or small your mold problem is SERVPRO will make your mold problem "Like it never even happened".

Stay Safe: Three tips for Grilling Safety

5/26/2016 (Permalink)

As the season for grilling outside officially kicks off this month here are some tips to remember while grilling at your BBQ. 

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use
2. Make sure people especially young children and pets stay away from the grill
3. Use long-handed tools made for cooking on the grill

If a fire disaster does happen at your home, SERVPRO is ready for any size disaster. We clean and restore Fire, Smoke and Soot damage "Like it never even happened".

Rainy Weather has Passed, but the after effects may still be a problem

5/3/2016 (Permalink)

Storm, Water Damage, Mold Remediation

Although we often need rain to offset the drought in the area. Your home doesn't need the water or damp weather inside. 

Mold and Your Home

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem.The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth.

SERVPRO handles water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. 

National PrepareAthon Day -April 30th

4/27/2016 (Permalink)

National PrepareAthon! Day, revolving around taking the actions to prepare for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms * America's PrepareAthon! is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to prepare. Visit this website for more information http://1.usa.gov/1NAblCS

Celebrate Earth Day all week

4/15/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Deals with the aftermath of weather disasters all the time- but this week lets celebrate all things green.  Did you know starting a personal/community garden and buying local food makes a huge difference? SERV the world by PROtecting the environment. Earth day is Friday April 22!  

Suburban Home Show Carpet Cleaning Contest Winner

4/7/2016 (Permalink)

Congratulations to Lina M. of Piermont, NY.

Lina was the winner of our Carpet Cleaning raffle valued at $225 at the Suburban Home Show. Every year SERVPRO Eastern Rockland County participates at the local Home Show, to communicate with  potential customers about our services. 

Spring has Sprung Get Ready For Wild Weather

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

Get Ready For Unpredictable Weather

Home Safety during Spring Break

3/8/2016 (Permalink)

Are you or your family headed out of town for Spring Break?

Remember these quick tips to keep your home safe. 

• Keep Valuables away from your windows
• Set up timed lights around your home
• Have a neighbor watch your house
• Turn off your home phone ringer
• Don't post your vacation photos while your away

If any mold, water or fire disasters happen while your away use your READY Profile App or call SERVPRO. 

Home Fires Occur More Often in the Winter Months

3/1/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know?

Home fires occur more often during the winter than in any other season. 

A home or business fire can be a very stressful event. Damage to personal belongings and the contents of the building is just one concern. Timely mitigation is key to controlling damage, while reducing downtime and rocevery costs. 

Be Prepared!

• Install Smoke Alarms- on every level of your home
• Test Smoke Alarms at least once a month
• Replace batteries at least once a year
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years

Clean Homes Sell Faster

3/1/2016 (Permalink)

It is a fact:

 A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster. Home owners should keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons:

• Increased maket value
• Reduced list to sale conversion times

SERVPRO offers professional cleaning services:

• Carpets, Upolstery and Drapery Cleaning
• Ceiling and Wall Cleaning
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Call the CLEANUP TEAM that's faster to any size disaster

2/4/2016 (Permalink)

A home or business fire can be a very stressful event for the property owner. Damage to personal belongings and the contenets of the building is just one concern. Timely mitigation is the key to controlling damage, while reducing downtime and recovery costs.  We offer 24 hr. 7 days a week emergency service. The rapid response and the training of our professional staff will help limit damage and get your home or facility back in operation quickly and help make it, "Like it Never Even Happened." 

Freezing Pipes may lead to Water and Mold Damage

1/21/2016 (Permalink)

Mold damage from frozen pipes disaster.

Mold can quickly become a major problem. After a water damage event, an infestation can spread throughout your home in just 48 to 72 hours. Molds come in multiple colors. Most have a musty odor and appear like blotches or spots. Since there are no clear standards for determining acceptable quantities of mold, there's no need to identify the specific type of mold. Instead, simply treat all molds as potential health threats and remove promptly and safely. Call SERVPRO your professional mold remediation company. We can make mold disasters "Like it never even happened".

The following are signs that you may have the presence of excessive mold include:

• Visible Mold
• Strong, musty odors
• Excessive humidity
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth

KEEP YOUR HOLIDAY SAFE

11/17/2015 (Permalink)

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don't practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous. 

Here are some safety tips to ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

Never leave cooking food unattended.

Check food  regularly, use a timer as a reminder.

Keep young kids away from the cooking area. 

Keep anything flamable away from the stove, oven or any other hot surface. 

Do not wear loose clothing while cooking.

Clean cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup.

Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it properly.

Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home, to make sure all appiances are turned off. 

Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

SERVPRO wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

Here is a link with additional safety tips. http://www.nfpa.org/thanksgiving

Turn on the Green Light to Honor Veterans

11/10/2015 (Permalink)

Waldwick - Every Nov. 11, the nation takes a day to honor all those who have served in the armed forces.

This year, in addition to a procession at 10:45 a.m. in front of American Legion Post 57 and a ceremony at Veterans Plaza at 11 a.m., Mayor Thomas Giordano is urging residents to take part in an initiative that would make it more obvious just how much the borough supports its veterans.

"To show our thanks to our veterans in all they have done for all of us, I ask all Waldwick residents to change a single light bulb in the front of your home to green to show support for those who have served," Giordano said in a statement.

Giordano's call is part of the nationwide initiative called Greenlight A Vet. The website describes the initiative as a "campaign to establish visible national support for our veterans by changing one light to green" with the color green signifying "hope, renewal and well-being" as well as offering a "greenlight" forward for veterans who are back home.

American Legion Post 57 Commander John Vervoort said he appreciated the initiative and Giordano's support of veterans.

"[In] our post, we've got men from the 'Greatest Generation' that served in the Pacific and European theaters and all war eras, up until now," said Vervoort. "I know, to me, I'm going to be very interested to see how many green lights are out there. It's going to touch my heart to see it."

For Giordano, along with recognition, the green lights will serve as a quiet "thank you" to all veterans.

"As Veterans Day approaches, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all our Waldwick veterans and all veterans for your sacrifices and selflessness as you make our country a better place," said Giordano. "Your dedicated service to our country will never be forgotten. You are examples of how courage and leadership leads to service. And we owe all of you a debt of gratitude."

For information about local Veterans Day ceremonies, visitlegionpost57.org

"Warm Hands, Warm Hearts"

10/29/2015 (Permalink)

Give the Gift of Warmth to Someone in Need

SERVPRO is working with RealSource Affilites to support the "Warm Hands, Warm Hearts" drive to collect Hats and Mittens.

Collection Items: New Hats and Mittens for Children & Adults. 

Pick up: Donna or Joanne can pick up the donations at our next office visit.

Deadline: November 13, 2015

Items will be donated to: Center for Food Action, CAMP, and Center for Hope & Safety

                                 Charlie Vingoe's, 

       SERVPRO, 151 Crescent Ave. Waldwick, NJ 07463

                         201-236-2400 / 1(800)497-7179

Turn the Town Teal

9/8/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Turning the Town Teal in support of Ovarian Cancer awarness month.

Know the symptoms. Visit the website at www.turnthetownteal.org

Rockland Boulders Baseball Game

9/8/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southern and Eastern Rockland County hosted a fun night of food, fireworks and baseball at a Rockland Boulders game. Everyone had a great time.

Customer Appreciation

4/10/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County recently held their customer appreciation celebration.  This year was very special as Charlie and Donna Vingoe and staff are celebrating 20 years of making it "Like it never even happened."

Rockland Home Show

2/9/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen and Rockland County participated in the 2015 Rockland Home Show.  It's always wonderful to share our services with our community.

Citizen of the Year

1/7/2015 (Permalink)

We couldn't be more proud of our very own Karen.  She was recognized as Citizen of the Year for all of the amazing work she does in our community.  Congratulations Karen!

School Safety

10/6/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of  Eastern Rockland County was happy to assist the local school system with several safety initiatives. Remember school is in session so drive carefully. 

SERVPRO at The Barclays, Ridgewood Country Club

8/28/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was a proud sponsor of The Barclays at Ridgewood Country Club.  Members of our marketing team helped in the SERVPRO booth, where attendees could practice their putting skills.  For additional photos, please "like" us on Facebook.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County and Friends at Rockland Boulders

8/12/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County hosted an outing to a Rockland Boulders game.  Everyone enjoyed food, fireworks and an exciting baseball game.  Additional photos are posted on our FaceBook page.

Suburban Home Show

7/25/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County participated in the Suburban Home Show held in Suffern, NY.